With all due respect to Mr. Jaster, Etons are one of the many high quality quads that come from tiawan....
IMO,noob, your looking for a LT230 or 300ex (I'm no blaster fan). I've seen them go for under 1000 bucks in this economy.

 

hey if your really wanting in to quads and your searchin around then keep saving and go with a used one if you cant afford brand new . im 29 and have been waitng for my own quad and not having to use somone esles all the time..(thanks guys) I just got a 1989 warrior 350 and im lovin it it needs a few things but just reg maitnence thing but thats the whole parts of quading its easyer to find parts for brand names at swaps and web site and other quaders too. so really put some thought in to what you want before your buddy are pulling you out of thr trial fella

 

Fantastic information, this site has been proven full of helpful users!

 

I agree with looking for a good used 300ex, electric start, reverse, light, great handling, rock solid motor. If you look for a good used one, watch ones with cut plastic or burnt out aftermarket exhausts, those were probably raced or beat on by former owners. Look for a clean, mostly stock ( a good name brand exhaust is fine, as long as it is in good shape). My son rode one for years, loved how he could easily lift the front end over ruts and rocks on the trail, and it takes the corners with ease, you can break the back end loose with just a good hip throw, and slide the corners all day long.The LT 230 is a good quad, but hasnt been made in a while, getting hard to find a good one anymore, but I have seen a few nice clean ones out there. Cruise the for sale ads here on the site, check Craigs list in your town and surrounding cities, you may be surprised whats out there. I have even seen 400ex in nice shape selling for 1800 or so, depending on age and condition.