I'm going to be purchasing a new ATV soon and am deciding between the Honda Rancher AT or the 350 ES. I mostly will be using the ATV for hunting, light work duties, and plowing snow in the winter. I own a Honda 300 2x4 and am impressed with how "bulletproof" it is. I'm pretty sure I want to stick with a Honda but am open to suggestions on other brands in the same class. I like the option of taking it in and out of 4x4 with the AT, and also having the automatic/ES option. My only concern is that the AT will be ******* when in auto. I'm actually going to be visiting a local dealership tomorrow to test drive both models so that will probably give me a better idea. What would be a good out-the-door price for a Rancher AT? I'm not sure if the GPS feature is worth the extra $200 bucks but am also considering that. Basically I just want a very reliable machine that's going to last a long time. I really take care of my "toys" so abuse shouldn't be an issue. Being that this is my first time buying a new machine I want to make sure I don't get hosed. I'm figuring on visiting three dealers in the area to find the best price. Does anyone have any other suggestions on other makes? It seems like you pay a little more for the Honda's but if it's a matter of "you get what you pay for" then I have no problem with that. Thanks!

 

The 400 has a reputation for having no low end power, but word is that a new ECM and some engine mods will fix that.

The Rancher 350 is a nice machine, but a little underpowered. You can mod the engine for a little more power. For me, I don't think it would be worth the extra money for the 400. It is a more complex transmission design, and I prefer to keep it simple. But then, I wouldn't have an ES, either.

 

Well, I have to say I am a big fan of that tranny. I have it in my Rubicon. If you feel there is going to be an issue, you might consider stepping up. However, my next pruchase will probably be a RancherAT for my wife. Why, because she is smaller than I am, and feels more comfortable on one because it has a lower center of gravity. Don't worry about the power... it can handle my 300 pound dragginbutt, with gear.. so it should not be an issue. I think it would be a fine choice. Even with the ability to ES, once you ride with that in full automatic, you will never go back to the old shifter deal.