I have been out all day today, and very stuck between three bikes. HONDA RANCHER 400 with GPS, and the two mentioned above, I like the xt package that comes with the Bombardier's but HONDA's relaibility is unheard of. ANY input would be apprecciated. Price wise for everyone how does 1000$ of MSRP come up for everyone on the Quest's for the 2003 close outs. Thanks everyone!

 

i'm a big bombardier fan but i would go whit the honda unless you get a good deal on the outlanderxt.

my buddy has the outlander and it is a very good 4x4.

 

I think Bombardier / Rotax's reliability is at least on par if not better (IMHO) than Hondas. I doubt that between utility machines that there is any huge weight difference so I'd personally go for the larger engine. There shouldn't be much of a difference in fuel consumption so unless there is a problem with the physical size being bigger than the larger machine -should- be able to out-do everything the smaller machine can do.

Price wise, it is safe to assume that you should be able to get at least 10% off of MSRP when buying a vehicle and be getting a decent deal, so if you are getting $1000 off of MSRP that is even better.

Do you prefer the looks of one of the machines / brands to the other? How about the features - you mention the Honda Rancher has GPS. It is possible to buy any handheld GPS and a RAM mount (this is a particular brand which is excellent) and have a handheld GPS securly mounted to your ATV. This setup works quite well as I have one as well as several other ATV owners I've met.

One of the nice things Bombardier has been doing with their machines is offering packages with the most popular aftermarket accessories already installed. Such as the XT package on the Utility machines and the Baja X package for the DS. From what I've seen of the utility ATV scene, the XT package is all parts that many people have bought as upgrades which means an ATV with the XT package you wont have to spend the extra cash on. My 2003 Baja now has all of the equipment installed on it that comes standard on the Baja X - too bad the Baja X wasn't available a year ago!

 

the outlander is very light and it is very good on gas.