i'm looking into purchasing a 1999 polaris xplorer 300 4x4 from a guy her ein texas. thing looks REALLY good. almost brand new. he says it has less than 30 hrs of use, as he purchased it brand new to use on a deer lease, but the lease owner would not let him use it there.

long story short, i need to know the skinny on these machines. any problems with them? the owner says it's FULL TIME 4wd... is this true? is there any problems with it being a chain drive? how much maintenance is involved with a chain drive machine?

the other machine i have a deal on is a 1996 honda fourtrax 300. it looks to be meticulously maintained as well, and is a bit cheaper.

which would you buy, and why? i have never owned a 4 wheeler, and i'm buying one of these two on friday.

let me know please!

 

the xlporer isnt full time awd ansd the honda is. the four taxes are good little units but hard on gas. i guess depends on money the honda might be a better deal. hard to say w/out looking.

 

Go with the honda.
I like belt drives better but the honda sounds like the better of the 2 wheelers and is probably worth more.

 

The Polaris is probably going to be quicker and faster, but also is going to require more maintaince. The old Honda 300's I know do run forever.

 

The Polaris will have a ride like a living room sofa while the Honda will feel like you riding on a chuck wagon. The Polaris was a more expensive ATV than the Honda when they were both new mostly due to having a low range,longer suspension and selectable 4wd (easier tuning).

I would say 100% get the 30hr Polaris but a chain drive is something you will constantly have to maintain while the 300 Honda is in the hall of frame for running without doing much but adding gas.

I would rather have a comfortable riding ATV that last 5 years with some maintenance than a uncomfortable ATV that last 15 years with no maintenance for the type of riding I do which is 70 mile trail rides.

300 vs 300 in specs