After lurking here for a while, I've decided to join the fun. I've been researching what ATV to buy, and it's looking like the Outlander 400 is going to be it. I just thought why not take advantage of the knowledge on this forum.

I live in Colorado, and will be doing trail riding, mostly from about 8000 to 13000 feet. The Outlander seems to be near bulletproof from what I've read here and other places. Is there anything I should watch out for?

A local dealer has a brand new '05 XT that he said he'd do $5900 plus taxes on, and $118 dealer handling. It's like a grand off MSRP, and seems like a good deal, but I kinda wanted to check it out before I pony up. Does this sound like a good deal?

Thanks in advance for the advice, I'm hoping to head for the hills as soon as this weekend.

 

i have been looking also for a second quad, already have a ds650 and want another--


this is the one to get..my resaerch shows it faster, stronger and biult much better than the others

the only reason not to get this one is because you want to get the 2006 800 outy..

that is my problem 400 or 800 do i really need the 800, this thing is huge like a bus, on the other hand should i spend money and not buy the best one(800)

 

Thanks for the input. Everything I've read points me in the direction of the Outy 400. I've been told by multiple people to stay away from Polaris and Arctic Cat. The Hondas have a great reputation, but the spec sheet doesn't match up with the Outy. Especially in ground clearance and suspension travel. I have a Kawasaki Ultra 150 JetSki and love it, but Kaw's ATV lineup is pretty limited.

I wouldn't have gone out of my way to get the XT package, but getting it more or less for free is hard to pass up.

 

well, bulletproof wouldnt be the first word that comes to mind but its still a good atv when it is working correctly. My buddy loves his except in the 600 miles of use he has had these problems. Carb has always had bad idling sinceabout 30 miles on and off. The front strut went out at 500, and now there is a fail light coming on at which means the voltage regulator is going bad. he heard about he vr and was told if he uses his lights, it will help and he did but wouldnt you know it still came on. well, he loves the bike when it runs good which is not suprising since it is really great but has probs.

 

to be honest with you i have never rode the outy, but i have driven polaris utilities for years--


polaris 400 explorer, scrambler and the 500 sportman...these thing are tough as far motor but everything on them was broken and cracked.. the racks are crappy plastic the bumpers are very wk also. after about 6 months of serious riding the hand protectors were broke, rear rack was cracked in half and the front area was squeaking and rattling like crazy!

bombardier has alot of electrical problems , ....extended warrenty can fix that... but are built like a rock

if i were to buy another it would be the outy like i said before based on how well it is biult and seems to outlast the others..

 

I guess ATVs are just like cars. The more stuff they add to them, the more there is to go wrong.

Thanks again for all the input. The last time I had any experience with ATVs they were still building 3 wheelers. I had a Honda that was great, but their 7 inch ground clearance worries me. The Rotax engine is a lot of what is making me lean towards the Outy.