Hi, I'm new to this site and am looking for advice from all the ATV gurus out there. This will be my first atv...I've ridden friends but never owned my own.
I've decided on a utility model and plan on trail riding locally and also trailering to PA and WV to ride. Since price is a factor I'm looking for a used ride.
I've found two used Polaris' locally, one is a 2003 Sportsman 500 HO with 65 hrs on it, the other is a 2004 Sportsman 600 twin with 20 hrs. Both are almost the same asking price ($4000 vs $4600), both have almost the same options on them and both are in very good condition.
I'd like to recieve input as to which would be a better atv to buy and why?
I'm looking for info on durability, power, fuel economy for long rides and anything else you think could help me to decide.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Does either have EBS? 600 twin will be smoother and a little more power, 500 single will be better on mpg and cheaper if repairs are needed.

For $600 you get a newer atv with less hrs. If they're both in the same condition/same extras the 600 is the better buy. EBS,aluminum rims,winch etc.... are expensive extras.

 

I assumed EBS was stock on these but it must be an option?
How do you tell if it has EBS, is there a decal or some other way to tell?
I rode both and liked both.
I think the 600 is definitly the better deal it has a winch and handwarmers.

 

If you let off the throttle and it slows down quick it has EBS, if it coasts you don't have EBS.

 

EBS was standard on both of them. The 600 has 8% more power and 25% more torque than the 500. I would get the 600 since it has <u>very</u> low hours. I had that many hours in my first week of riding.

 

Price seems a bit high to me for each. According to NADA are about 1000 over average retail and 500 according to KBB. Don't know your location (duhhh east coast after re-reading) but around here can get a new prior year model 500 for about 5300. But these 2 are in VGC where those numbers are average. Dealer I have bought my last 3 machines from had ad in paper. 2003 700 with winch 3599, 2001 500 with winch 2999, 2002 700 with winch 2799. Granted I do not know what shape they are in or anything. But of these 2 the 500 would of course get better milage. The 600 is discontinued now. Performance wise you will not see that much of a differance between the 2 but the 600 will have a lil more grunt.

 

I didn't notice much of a power difference between the two of them although the 500 seemed quicker( it had an aftermarket clutch). I had looked up the Kelly and NADA price and saw that they were both a little high. I made offers on each at $500 under asking price ...both people passed so I'll just keep looking. I'm in NY and have been told that I should look in PA and OH where prices are better...anyone know if pricing is that much different depending on location.

 

Probably a good thing. You migh want to keep your eyes open for a 2008 500 HO. With very little effort, I found a new one in my area for $5,200 out the door. Good luck!

 

Did you offer over the phone or did you offer in person with cash in hand? A lot of times you can convince people to sell for the price you want if you offer them with cash in hand. Although, if its not that big of a deal then I would keep looking. You were right to talk them down, though, because most people don't understand the value of their stuff after a few years. Even with aftermarket parts, its not worth any more than what it should be going for.