I paid $1300 for a 2000 Kaw Bayou 220 in excellent condition. No scratches, no bent parts, no signs of being abused or being run too hard. In fact it looked like it was barely ridden at all. I believe that was a pretty good deal but I'm very much a newbie to all this and I'm curious to see if I could have done better.

My main requirements for a ATV were being reliable and something I could learn on without being too much machine for an inexperienced rider. A utility type ATV with reverse and electric start were on my list too. I believe I did OK in these areas as well. Any comments on limitations and strengths would be appreciated as well. Thanks for the help.

 

1300 for a machine in great shape is not bad at all. It should be a good machine for you to learn on and develop your riding skills. At that price you should be able to sell it down the road (if you want something bigger later) and get a decent return.
As for limits, the biggest thing would be to work up to larger hills, you may find a little lack of power for MAJOR climbs. If you start small and learn the machines abilities you will be fine.
Enjoy