Hi, We have a vacation place in Pennsylvania's Pocono mountains in an area that is pure ATV heaven. Our house sits near a logging road that goes up to the top of a mountain with untold miles of wilderness up there. The locals swear by Polaris and I've seen some 450, 500 and 700 -- lots of camo colors.

I want to buy a used one and am trying to learn about the models etc. so I can find the right one to buy.

I will use it in our little community -- back and forth to the lake where there are a few different beach areas and where we keep a boat; up the mountain and around the lake for fishing and exploring; maybe to tow a small utility trailer around the property or down to the leaf dump, or to tow a waverunner back and forth to the lake. Etc. No racing around, but potentially a significant amount of safe, sane off-road fun.

A neighbor is selling a 2003 700 sportsman that looks good for $4,500. I expected to look for a 450 or 500, without really knowing what to look for yet.

What models or years are good or bad?
What engines to look for or avoid?
Any particular systems or components to look for?
What to look out for when buying one used.

I'm generally looking for a primer or a source for this type of info (searches haven't been productive). Thanks a million in advance.

Mike

 

If I was to look for a used Sportsman, it would go in this order. And Sp500 from 2001 or newer. There very solid and dependable. You should find a real good used one from about $3300 for a 01 to about $4800 for a 06. Try to find one with winch on it. Next would be the Sp600 as it's a very torquey engine with very good power. Then it would be the 700efi, and then the 800. But this might be to high in price.

 

i would say a sportsman 500 is right up your alley. the engine is been around the longest ans the bike is pretty much been time tested and has good power to fuel milage is a good ride. if you find one thats been maintained w/out a million miles on it and not all beat to death should be fine. just make sure to look over it good for damage and the tranny works good. find out when the last fluid change was. complete if it has more then 1000 miles, if they dont remeber probably wasnt done. just a few thoughts.

 

Will fuel milage be a factor for you!!!!Remember the bigger you get the more fuel you use..........caper...........
You should try driving a few to see what one you feel good with!!!!
Polaris sure has the ride.......I feel no back pain at all after a long days ride......THATS A FACT..........caper...........