Need some advise. I have decided to look for an ATV and here are the criteria that I have considered so far:

1. Riding Style: I'm not overly agressive and am more concerned with stability than raw speed/ power etc

2. Brand Loyalty: None......I'm looking for something that is reliable and will perform.

3. What it will be used for: Mostly riding for fun on our place, doing some work and transporting during hunting season.

4. ATV Criteria Identified so far: 4x4: Part-time/Full time I don't have a preferance
4-Stroke 350cc or larger
Electric Start

5. Price: An absolute maximum of $3k, and preferably less (obviously I'm looking for a used ATV here)

I'd appreciate a list of the machines that are out there that meet these criteria and why you like each one.

Thanks for the input!

 

3K makes it tough. It's possible you could find an Eiger 400 for around that price, they started as an '02 model. Same for a prairie 360, although I'd take the Eiger over the Prairie. Honda Rancher 350 would be a good bet also a used Kodiak.

For $3,000 - I'd say you are looking at a three or four year old 400 class machine. To get down below that 3K price limit you are going to have to find an older machine, one in need of some repair or just get lucky.

Jaybee

 

How about a Polaris Scrambler 500 or a Honda Foreman ES?

I've seen both of these for this type of money.

 

Sounds like a Kodiak 450 would be perfect for you

 

What kind of price range am I looking at on this model?

 

For what you want, you have to be very careful when buying a used atv at that price. If you don't know what to look for, get someone who knows. You need to be able to determine if the quad has been abused and if everything is the way the seller says it is. If you have one narrowed down, you might want to take it to your local dealer and have a check of it. As far as new quads go, about the cheapest 4x4 around here is an artic cat 250 4x4 for $4100.00 or a 2004 kawasaki bayou 300 4x4 for $4200.00. Good luck.

 

You can get '04 Kawi KFZ 250-300's for like 3,000.. can also find Kodiak's for about 4,200 or so., but you would have to save a bit. Your best bet would be to just grab a Cycle Trader from a 7/11 or AMPM.. can find huge deals in there.

 

I'd look around for an older (2002 or older) Honda Rancher. They should be priced below $3000, especially if you find one with higher miles, but still in good shape. Look for something that hasn't been abused. They are out there you just need to take your time finding one. The Rancher S (standard shift) would probably be cheapest, followed by an ES. Honda reliability is second to none.

 

I think that a late 90's wolverine would fit your needs nicely. No matter what you pick make sure that it was well maintained.

Ryan

 

gonna be a little brutal here.. but after fighting with last minute Christmas shoppers all day, I have to get it out of my system somehow...

Unless you are going to be using this machine as a means to either make money, or save you some work.. I'd say you should keep your money in the bank until you can afford what you want... First off, you are limiting your purchase decisions to what comes available... already you are compromising your decision. Anything we give you as advice goes out the door as soon as you see that first shiny machine that someone ran through a car wash and armor alled it prior to trading it in... or putting it up for sale. I'd seriously question a person selling an ATV to see why they are selling it. I'd also ask where they had been getting it serviced... if they won't say... then walk away. Dealers have records and it should not be too hard to get them to fill you in on service history.

Back to the cost issue. Buying a machine is only the beginning. If you can't afford the proper safety equipment, don't bother with getting a quad. Same goes for trailering or some other means of transporting it. The purchase is the easy part. Then there is registration in some states, insurance in others.. etc. So be honest with your self in determining if you can buy now, or should wait...

The worst thing you can do is buy something that does not fit, or is not what you wanted, but bought anyway because you couldn't wait. It is a disaster waiting to happen.. and we all want your experience to be a good one.

By the way, there are new ones, albiet smaller engines on 2WD like a blaster etc that are right at 3 grand.....