I've been shopping around for my 1st machine. I think I'm sold on the AC name for all the reasons most of the Artic Cat folks have claimed. Finding a used AC is like finding a the gold ticket in a ***** Wonka bar. Kind of makes me desire the brand even more - with such a good resale. Ground clearance, susp. travel, locking diff, utility savvy, larger fuel tank, and overal a great ride.

I have test drove some through friends and at the dealers. I got to try the new H1 650 le as well. What awesome machines. I have also tested a few other brands. I like the Polaris but heard that the AWD has some serious flaws.

I would like to start out with a 500 as I'm not interested in going too fast and have moderate to light utility work to do with it. A 500 is still a big machine for a newby like me.

Here are some of the prices I've been seeing for machines that interest me:

06 500 - $6400
05 500 - $5860
05 500LE - $6500

Sorry for such a long prelude to my questions.

Is the LE worth it for all the extras that you get with the it? How's the price look in comparing all of them? Is the 05 a decent price drop or is the 06 any better and worth that extra coin?

BTW: the dealer told me that the warranty on the 05 would be the 3 year one that they have going on right now.

Brian
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

Those all seam like real good prices and you will be happy with any of them. I would go with the LE model. the goodies atached are also warrantied for three years. theres not much difference between the 05 and 06. biggest thing is front shocks are different. i have the 05 500 manual and its a great machine with no problems. only recomendation would be to change tires. the badlands are bad tires. puncture kind of easy and not the greatest of handling compared to the aftermarkets available. Get the LE and put some good tires on and storage box and your good to go!

 

The LE accessories are well worth the money. If you price those items seperatly you will be saving hundreds of dollars. The front brush guard is worth the extra money alone. I have gone through some nasty brush and there is not a scratch on my head lights or the plastic on the front end.