Does anybody have any useful information concerning this ATV. I am looking at buying one and was wondering if there is anything i should be looking for or be concerned about. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

That’s a six year old machine so there is a lot of info on here about it. Rather than ask an open question like that I suggest you do a forum search using 2000 Sportsman 500 as your key words and refine it from there. The RSE only refers to the fact that it’s camo and has some different decals.

 

There isn't a significant difference between the 2000 and 2001 models. They did some engine porting work and adopted the "HO" specification in 2001. The rest of the machine is pretty much identical.
Everyone had issues with the front hubs not locking or unlocking - usaually after taking it apart for some reason or another. They changed to a different 4x4 engagement system in 2002or 2003. The hubs can be fixed if not working correctly. Mostly adjustment to the magnet position and gettng the proper torque to the axle bolt. Its all covered in the maintenance manual. Nothing wrong with the non-"HO" engine. The rest of the power train is the same as the HO. I put heavy duty springs and a lift kit on mine and I would skip the lift kit if I were to do it again. The HD springs were enough.

Mines had a tough life of tumbling down hillsides, mountain riding, busting through the ice on the lakes, being swamped to the handlebars in mud, towing other quads 20+ miles on the dead horse trail, plowing snow, 25 below temperatures, hauling multiple hunters to stands and being loaded down like a pack mule. It's still going strong. I've boiled the anti-freeze out several times and pulled the rear axles out of the differential, rolled it on its side a couple of times and was stuck so bad it took the F-350 all it had to pull it out. I'm on my 3rd belt and had to buy a few parts - but considering the road its been down - thats not to bad.

A comprehensive checkout of the quad is a good idea before you buy it. In addition to a "cold start" checking for oil smoke a jacking of the machine with all wheels off the ground and checking for proper front hub lockup and release is a must.

Good luck

 

I bought a 2000 Sportsman 500 6 weeks ago (the only difference is that the RSE is camo and I think has bumpers standard, among a few other accessories). Mine only had 1100 miles on it and no modifications. The seller told me he had it dealer serviced every fall and only had to replace the battery at one point. He and his girls rode it in the mountains in CO, but in no way put it through what WhoDatInDaMud has put his through! I've put about 150 miles on it so far on rocky terrain and snow and LOVE it. My riding partners have 05 700 EFIs and I have no problem keeping up or going where they go. I had it serviced at the dealer 2 weeks ago and other than the normal oil/air filter/spark plug change, they could find nothing wrong with it.

Just like buying any used machine, I think your best bet would be ride it yourself, get a detailed description of how it has been ridden in the past, history of service/modifications, and get it checked out by a dealer if you can. I ended up with a great machine...hopefully you will, too.

 

If it helps I have a 2000. It has never had an issue.
Mine runs great but some did have issuse.