Looking to add to garage, with a 500+cc 4x4. I will be using it for hunting, trails, light farm work, mountains, fun, etc. I like IRS on Sportsman 500 HO I have ridden, and has good power. Just do not want Polaris 4x4 system on this bike, due to 2 wheel engine braking and wheels must spin to have 4x4.

Have looked at 500 auto and 650 auto AC's and 660 Grizzly. What are differences in 03, to 04's and what is coming in 05? Not overly brand loyal, more focused on quality vs cost vs function.

Thanks in advance for the suggestions, experiences and advice.

 

Not sure about AC but you may want to stay away from the '03 Grizzly, they had rear axle/CV joint problems that year. '04 models have been corrected and the current '05 Grizz is identical to the '04 except for some cosmetic issues with decals. Kawasaki has their new 750 brute force coming out for '05 along with Suzuki’s 700 king quad.

Good luck.

 

Currently you could get an 04 650 arctic cat for the price of an 05 500. 05's now have differential lock on most of the 400's and up.

I was always torn between a grizzly 660 and AC 500, when I bought my last one (3 months ago), but the 2 year warranty and winch included made me slide to the Cat. Recently, I was again in the market for a new ride. The 04 cats went down quite a bit, while the grizzlies didnt (at least in my area). In fact, one dealer wanted $200 more for an 04 than another dealer wanted for an 05. Go figure? The dealer that wanted more for the 04 griz said 'Nothings really changed with the 05's).

Either way, nows a great time to buy an 04 model bike.