I need some help. I am buying a new Utility 4x4 ATV for work/hauling and some pleasure riding. I would like you oppions on which ATV for around 5 Grand is the most powerful and the most comfterble.
Thanks in advance

 

well im looking for a quad under 5000 grand also...the two quads i like the best so far are the polaris magnum becouse polaris has the best 4x4 system but on the arctic cat you can adjust the linkage on the front and you will have true 4x4 no limited slip also the arctic cat has independent front and rear suspension so not sure which one i will go with

 

billglaeser, why not consider the Suzuki King Quad/Quadrunner 250 4X4? You get all you mention in the Arctic Cat, WITHOUT the need to adjust the shift linkage.

Diogenes

 

The Artic Cat has a semi-independent rear suspension...

 

The AC250 and 300 are fully independent rears. I would choose these over the suzukis for the fact that the suspenion is far better. And there are full size quads. The 400 and 500 have the semi independent rear end wich is better for working like you stated that you wanted to do with your quad. This give you a solid rear axle wich is alot better if you are towing trailers. Because you can have alott more tounge wieght on them, then an independent rear. I would recomend the AC500 The engine is a stump puller, which is what you want in a work atv. The racks are huge and strong as all can be. FOr the money i would go with cat for a work quad. I got mine for $5300 new. So you dont want to pay full retail for them if you go look at them. My local dealer right now has the auto 500's for 5900
thats with out any haggling. well best of luck to.
matty

 

Thanks for the info on the ArticCat This is actualy a . How dose the Polaris 500ho Stack up aginst the Cat in power and reliability? I doubt paying 7k just a thought are there any other Polaris quads for 5-6k that can match the power (not topend speed) of an ArticCat?
this quad is actualy for my Dads buddie I should have mentioned that in the first place and hes leaning twoards Polaris because he knows a sales rep.
Thanks

 

take a look at the expeditions,there is a 325 and 425..polaris first 5 spd semi autos and i like mine alot..plenty of power,a good all around quad i think..you can get them around 5500. i paid 5600 with a winch otd,and see if thye have any 2000`s left

 

The HO is great has awesome top end for a big quad. For grunt or lugging power I would say the ho and the cat are comparable giving the edge to the cat but as far as top end power there is no comparison the HO by far has more. I would say the Ho is more of Trail quad. Although it will do work great. I will would recomend the polaris 425 expid and the 500 magnum. Either one would be a great worker. tell your buddy to just go out and test them for himself and find which one fits himself. Why doesnt he look for an used Sp around my neck of the woods everyone is trading theres in for an HO so you can get a cleen used one for around 5 or less.
matty

 

Under 5,000 you can't beat the 2001 Polaris Explorer 400. Power, speed, excellent ride, and when you get that wild hair up your a$$ there is a whole aftermaket cottage industry just waiting to sell you speed parts.

Over 5,450 buy the Artic-Cat 500 manual.

For 6,250 dollars you can buy a H.O. Sportsman.

 

What's more money...the SP400 or the Xpedition 425??