ATV advice

[ptb]

hello all. Looking for used ATV advice. Not really in the market to buy a brand new ATV. Any recommendations on a good quality used ATV brand. My buddies all have Can Am and Polaris. Looking for something that won’t break the bank. I know the new ones all have power steering heated grips EFI ect. Just want something that will handle most hunting and recreation jobs. Maybe in the $3000 - $4000 range???? Seems to be large range of prices on similarly equipped used brands of ATV. I understand this is a bit subjective but thx in advance for your help

Pete

 

[JohnWess]

I think there are a lot of good options out there. I have a 2002 Arctic Cat 500i and it has treated me well. With that being said, I will be in the same situation as you here next fall when I look at buying one for my wife. I will probably go with a Polaris 550 for her. I personally have never felt as though I needed more than a 500 engine out hunting or trail riding. And the reason I said the next one will probably be Polaris is because there are Polaris dealers everywhere it seems and they have all of the parts on hand should you need something fixed or replaced quickly. I don't know if this is the type of answer you were looking for, but I hope it helps a little.

 

[ptb]

Thx John. Any advice helps and is appreciated! My buddy has a 2006 Can Am. He has loved it. It doesn’t have PS or EFI but seems to have worked great for him. I just haven’t seen that many of that year for sale. There seems to be a lot of Honda Ranchers, grizzlies and other brands for sale. I am not an ATV expert by any stretch. Just wanted something I could use that won’t break the bank. Borrowed a buddies 2003 Rancher last year. It didn’t have independent rear axle. Was pretty awkward and spooky going over rough uneven terrain.

 

[Mountain Sloth]

Honda, Polaris, and CanAm all make great machines. I normally ride a RZR 800 but on occasion use my brother in-laws Honda Rancher and it has plenty of power to keep up with all the sxs's on all day rides. Power steering would be of a huge benefit, you wont get beat up just trying to turn... if you go CanAm make sure you check to see if its one of the years that have fan issues.

 

[KyCarl]

I have a Yamaha Grizzly and I love it.A snow blade for winter. A 2500# winch.
A hitch box on the back so I use the same hitch in my 4-Runner too.
Power steering 4 wheel independent. Plenty of power!

 

[TwoMore]

I own and run an ATV-UTV service and repair shop , my favorite is Honda's lines of foreman's. the Rancher 420 is a very good bike and plenty of power. you can get it in many different models, with out without Power steering, electric shift or manual shift. We rebuild all makes in here and that particular motor is by far the least expensive to go through, guys water ride here and destroy them all lol we just went through an arctic cat 1000 xtz side by side and his bill was 3995.00. can ams are the same way with their babbit plain bearings on the cranks, very pricey to go through and maintenance parts are high. the rancer comes in straight axle rear or IRS, independent rear suspension

 

[dmj]

We have had pretty good luck with the Suzuki. Probably not as popular as some of the others and make not ride as good. But they have stood up to some pretty good abuse and been dependable. Good luck and have fun

 

[TwoMore]

I tend to tell folks to go look at any of the big four , being Honda Kawasaki, Suzuki,Yamaha. parts are easy to get and maintenance wont brake the bank
Can Am is a good machine but pricey. if you are going to mud race the can am is tha machine to go with , we build some big ones

 

[KyCarl]

The guy that works on mine has some Raptor like thing that he races?
Not for me. But he does show me the real prices and lets me look things up and order through him at cost. Some cool Kenda tires that have held up well.
I did a transfer for him for free.

 

[MudRunner2005]

hello all. Looking for used ATV advice. Not really in the market to buy a brand new ATV. Any recommendations on a good quality used ATV brand. My buddies all have Can Am and Polaris. Looking for something that won’t break the bank. I know the new ones all have power steering heated grips EFI ect. Just want something that will handle most hunting and recreation jobs. Maybe in the $3000 - $4000 range???? Seems to be large range of prices on similarly equipped used brands of ATV. I understand this is a bit subjective but thx in advance for your help

Pete

Best advice I can give, having owned many different brand and model ATV’s... Literally any brand, other than Polaris. You couldn’t give me one.

Can-Am and Yamaha will be 2 of the most reliable. Can-Am parts are expensive, but rarely break if you’re not doing heavy mudding.

 

[26Reload]

I have to second the Honda 420 Rancher....have a 2007 that has been nothing less than awesome to use for hauling trailer of firewood, pulling Dr grader.....among other stuff......only been on one trail ride....still original tires and runs perfect....lots of miles pushing snowplow.....non power steering......
Tough to beat....
From what i hear....polaris are decent machines...and other say lots of dealers to buy from.....absolutely....but try to get and Polaris dealer to work on it.....good luck.....
Stick with Honda and Nonethanol gas....it will last forever.....

 

[JohnWess]

Well maybe I was wrong about the Polaris deal. I am happy I watched this thread! I will have to look at others.

 

[shphtr]

I live in Alaska and 4-wheelers are a way of like up here. Hondas are known for their longevity and generally refuse to die. All the other brands are runners up .... but everybody has their favorite. Once you experience power steering you will prob never go back, esp for long and or rough rides. EFI is esp nice for starting in cold weather. Here in Alaska it is not advisable to not take your marchine on the trail unless you have a winch. Good luck in finding what you are looking for.

 

[adk hunter]

Mud, so you would or would not take a polaris for free...? Polaris isn't one of the top four?? Doubt that...Hmmm