Went to the local Yamaha, Suzuki, Arctic Cat dealer today to look at the new Kodiak 450 and the Grizzly. I have been researching every utility ATV I can think of. I had pretty much decided on the Kodiak. Well, they didn't have a 450, just a 400. The Grizz just seems to be a little big for what I need it for. So I asked the salesman when he could get another 450 in and he said it'd be a while. He pointed me towards a red Arctic Cat 500 on the showroom floor. Honestly, I've never even considered an Arctic Cat. Why I don't know, I just haven't. After looking at it I was impressed. The ground clearance is crazy. I really like the styling of it too. After getting on it, it just seemed more stable than the smaller Kodiak. Now I'm confused again! I thought I knew what I wanted, but now I'm having second thoughts. I asked the guy about reliability and he said they have excellent luck with them and have sold numerous ones to guys in the same line of work I'm in that run them every day. I'm sure they are a great machine, the only question is how much better would a 500 be over a Kodiak or vice versa. Also, I live in Kansas and the dealer wasn't budging much on the price, so I also wondering where the cheapest dealers are around the Midwest, primarily Oklahoma or Kansas. I want to get something soon, but I want it to be the right choice! Any info appreciated.

 

What kind of work? Is the 500 and auto or manual. I personally think the manual is better suited for work with lots of starts and stops or pulling. You also need to remember that the AC is a LOT larger than most of the J.A.Pan quads so if you're surveying or the like, the AC is a tight fit in a box full of gear. I have had 2 AC quads and love them, but I surveyed for 13 yrs and the old Hondas and Yammys were best for that environment.

 

I don't like the rear driveshaft on the new kodiaks,too many angles for my liking,looks like trouble.IMO

 

Wheres the cheapest place to get Arctic Cat's?

 

Two weekends ago I noticed Gander Mountain (MN) had the AC 500 4x4 auto for $5999 ($200 less than last fall, when I bought this same ride). Last fall they had a small rebate with their inhouse credit card - well, it can basically get you a couple of accessories for free... dont know if that is still going on.

I like the yamaha kodiak(s), but the AC machines are very good and in the end, they are really all I considered. The AC 500 has a suzuki engine - if that blows wind your skirt....
It is true, ground clearance is really great and I after this I would not buy a machine without independent rear sus.

David

 

I love my AC 500. Im up near Manhattan Kansas and bought mine in Topeka at Cycle Zone. Price was fair I thought. There is a big Arctic Cat dealer in Hesston Kansas that always has some great deals going on it seems. Dans Cyle, http://www.danscycle.com/ , they have a web site.

Good luck, I have owned several Yammy quads and I think they are a good unit but you will not be upset with a CAT.

 

Freetrapper, thanks for the info. I'll have to look into those two places. My folks live in Topeka so I can check out cycle zone when I get back there sometime.

 

Gander Mountain offers pretty good prices. They can probably give you a better deal than most dealers because they are Arctic Cat's largest customer.

 

What's everyones opinion between the manual or the auto. I've never had an auto atv, but always have wanted one. With that said though it's still nice to able to shift the gears every once in a while.

 

If you want an auto get one. The technology has really come of age. If you want it get it, you won't be disappointed. I, personally, just don't like auto's. Maybe I'm just a control freak.