Side x Side (UTV) Brands

[Lash746]

I've searched for this but wasn't finding any discussions about it utilizing the search function. I'm curious if there is any consensus on UTV or Side by Side brands amongst the community here? I'm going to be buying a used side by side and honestly, it's probably going to be an older one given my budget. That said, Polaris seems to have the most units out there, but are they good? Do they hold up after thousands of miles? I've always been a Yamaha ATV guy and have to from the early 2000's that still run like a top. I've been trying to find Viking's that are decently priced but much less used units out there.

That said, what brands do you think have the least amount of problems when these things get down the road thousands of miles?

 

[Foot367]

There was a pretty nice RMAX on Boise's marketplace that seemed pretty reasonable to me.
I've got a '21 Honda Pioneer 1000-5. It's a good machine and has the Honda reliability. I'm not a big fan of the DCT, it's clunky and out on the trail if you aren't in manual mode, is constantly shifting. The Pioneer's don't have much for ground clearance and if you want to run tires bigger than 28" you need to have a lift or forward a- arms put on. If I was to buy another one, I'd opt for the Yamaha or Can Am Defender. My uncle has a Ranger that is a defacto tractor for him and he beats the hell out of it. Other guys I know have had nothing but problems with their Rangers.

 

[BWitz]

I have a Polaris Ranger 900XP that has been bulletproof. Use it every day around the property for chores, hauling, etc. The power steering on mine is very nice and I'd recommend that feature.

 

[HandgunHTR]

My recommendation would be either Yamaha or Can-Am. Both will probably be higher priced than the others, but both have been more reliable than the others for us.

 

[Buckskinner]

You will find this topic to be Chevy/Ford subject...

I can only speak for Polaris, I've had 3, still have 2 and we pound the crap out of them. 2007 700 was a crazy reliable machine, ran it to over 10k and never fixed anything but wearables.

2017 900xp has 6500 on it, dad some work on it though. Replaced front diff and wheel bearings, because my kid got it stuck in mudhole when I wasn't home and had to leave it submerged for a night... Also front axle, likely from same instance.

2019 1000xp, has 5200 on it. Six months after getting rear tire assembly literally fell off, under warranty. Never got clear answer to what happened. Recently wires from front diff cover got tore off so had to replace cover. Other than that solid.

If you know your way around a wrench, they are easy to repair.

 

[waveslayer]

Honda will always last the longest. Polaris will do good, just squeaky as hell!
Looking for a work one, play, 2 or 4 seater?

 

[Mrvmax]

I also own a Polaris 900xp that I bought used with less than 40 hours on it. Do internet searches on every model you are considering to find out problem areas. That is why I ended up with Polaris over others.

At my employer we have some Kawasaki Mules that just won't die. They take abuse well.

 

[USN2TN]

I have a Honda ATV (Foreman) and a Kawasaki UTV (Mule). Zero issues and pretty sure they will both outlive me. If you want utility the Mule is top shelf; it hauls tools & pulls trailers like a little truck. Un-killable. That being said, if you want high speed, the Mule is not going to impress.

 

[ColonelGoose]

I have a 2018 Honda Pioneer 1000 - problem free so far. Honda uses a direct drive transmission, so no belts to change. It is also quieter than most other SxS's. Prior to that I had the Yamaha 700. It was too under-powered for high altitude mountain riding, and it was so loud, you needed ear plugs when riding, even after adding a muffler to reduce noise output. I ride with guys that have Polaris - think all of them have had issues with transmissions and belts.

 

[hudgic]

I'd highly suggest to look at a Kawasaki ridge I have one and love it I've always been a Honda fan and come from having a pioneer 1000

 

[NotLongRange]

I have a Honda Pioneer 1000-5 and I absolutely love it for September/October hunting. It will climb a wall, is relatively quiet, and I can pack in my entire elk camp with the payload.

One negative..Pioneers heat up quickly; mine has a heat shield kit and auxiliary exhaust fan. Those modifications make it tolerable, but they're warm in the summer.

All of that said…mine doesn't have an enclosed cab and as time goes on, my desire for less dust, A/C, and heat at an appropriate level is increasing exponentially. With this in mind, I'm looking really hard at a Polaris 1000 Ranger NorthStar.

None of them are cheap, but carefully consider what you need (power, speed, comfort, A/C?, etc.) before you buy.

Also, test drive them; some of them are so loud you need to wear ear plugs.

 

[Allen Kitts]

I also have a Polaris XP900 and it has been bullet proof. Has about 6K miles on it and have never had any issues. It is my 5th Polaris but only my first Side x Side. Would buy another one in a heat beat if this one went down.

 

[D2wing]

I have a Polaris RZR and have had a few Polaris ATVs and snowmobiles. I think that they are the best in difficult terrain. I haven't had problems with any of them. I ride hard but I take care of my stuff too. I pulled a Kawasaki out of a mud hole with my Polaris. As far as reliable, I think they are all pretty good if you take care of them and know how to drive off road. Also lemons happen in all brands. Polaris dominates around here but guys have other brands too. They say Polaris gets you back. It has me from some nasty places. But for most folks and places they are all pretty good.

 

[TontoDean]

I've had bad luck with Polaris. Lots of various problems, including the transmission going out just out of warranty. Sold it and bought a Kawasaki Mule. It's a real workhorse. Not as fast. Just built better & geared lower than the Polaris. IMO. If I was buying "used" it would be a Mule...