and drove a Rancher AT and a Foreman ES. Liked both machines alot. The tranny on the AT is smooth as silk. Talked numbers with the salesman, AT for $6550 and the ES (03 model) for $6000, those are the OTD prices after I told him the original prices were too much. I left without buying.

After the dealership I wmet my buddy and did some trail riding (powerlines) on his 01 Foreman ES. After that I think I'm leaning more towards the power the Foreman has.

Got home and found an add in the paper for an 01 Foreman owned by a woman. It's got 30 hours and about 250 miles on it, they say it's in showroom conditions and "still has the t#ts on the tires". I'm going to look at that one tomorrow. They are asking $5000 for it and it comes with 2 helmets. I will be able to get them to come off a bit on their price but probably not too much, maybe down to $4500 at the very best.

So, even at $5K for the used machine, all I'm giving up is 6 months warranty, 2WD option, and 3 model years worth of time. What I'm getting is $1500-2000 staying in my pocket, 2 helmets, nerfs on the bars, a machine that's broken in already, and I don't lose on the depreciation.

This bike's been ridden only by this woman and never been in more than 6" of mud. Her husband just sold his sport ATV, he's a mechanic, races drag boats, and lives on a farm. Seems like he's being honest and will even take a personal check.Assuming the machine is in as good a condition as they say, anyone see anything wrong with this deal? What are some things I should look at closely on a used ATV before buying? Is the 01 Foreman ES a good model year?

Thanks for your help.

 

I doubt that it was only ridden by his wife. She had a Foreman and he had a sport so he probably drove both. It doesn't really matter but there is a process of looking for little lies to feel better about a purchase. One thing that would concern me is the brakes and if they were ever changed. Listen to the motor and check the oil. I would check NADA.com and KBB.com to see what the value of the Foreman is.
Look under the motorcycle sections to get pricing on atv's. (I think.) -- Also check the rubber boots for wear or cracks. Take notice of the frame for damage and the steering for proper alignment.

The new quad prices are too high. If the used Foreman doesn't work out then price around more on the new models. You should be able to get a 2004 Foreman 450 ES for $6000.00 if not a couple hundred less.

 

Well, I drove all the way down there (1 hour) and called the guy for the final directions to his house.......he tells me then that he sold it already this morning, what a pain in the a$$!

Tis why I dislike buying used anything, you never know what you are getting into.

Thanks for the response earlier coyote.

 

It might be a good thing that it has already sold. I'd bet they've never touched the brakes.
I looked under NADA and a 2001 ES Average price is $4320. and the helmets probably wouldn't have fit. (womans head) Just trying to make you feel better.

If you price new, price around.

 

The AT is an awesome machine all I will ever own is automatics for now on. My next quad will be the rincon. Good Luck!!

 

Had my AT for 2 weeks now. Rode all weekend in the snow, rode with my buddy who has Praire 650. Good thing I went with the winch, towed him out about 6 times. He is a liitle over confident in the snow ! When those damn things get stuck,they really get stuck. Glad I went with the AT and not a big bore.

04 AT

 

Thanks for the replies ricky and spud. The most irritating thing about losing the Foreman was that the guy sold it that morning and had plenty of time to call me before I drove all the way down there, he knew I was coming.

Anyway, I do really like the AT and that is what I have my sights set on at this point. I may have to wait a little longer in order to get the cash together but that's ok. I just missed out on an AT that was sold for $4700 real close to where I live, they didn't call me back. They sold it in one day, at that price it's no wonder.

What did you guys pay OTD for your AT?

Thanks again.

 

I almost got the Foreman as well, but, I'm glad I didn't because it's geared too low for my use. My AT has best of both worlds.

I live in Canada so, the sticker was 8500 Canadian I got it for 7600 plus tax. We have 14.5 % tax. The winch was an extra 600(Warn 2.5) Honda had a promo of 3.8% financing.

Tell the dealer to price match. I don't know about the USA, but people here are buying houses, not toys, so all the car/bike/boat Dealers are hurting...big time. That is good for the consumer.

Spud

 

I just want to point this out for people purchasing used. Watch for the signs. Listen to every word and try not to be mislead by something someone says. This seller couldn't even call him back to save him the trip. He could have been lying about other things. Tip: Watch peoples eye movements. If someone is lying, sometimes their eyes will go off to one side. They'll be talking and then all of a sudden the eyes go east or west.

Watch the politicians on tv for examples of this. Some are well trained though.

 

Dealer in Springfield MO is advertising new '04 Foreman ES out the door for $5280. Doesn't include taxes as they are paid at DMV. Rancher ES 4x4 is $4480- OTD. Ph-417-874-2000.

I could have bought a new '04 Grizzly OTD for $6178.50. But I chose the AC.