First off, I haven't owned an ATV since I was a young'in but I'm finally at the point where I have enough credit to get one. However, I don't really know what's out there.

I'm about 5'10 180 lbs and I live in Tucson AZ. I'd be riding mostly off road but probably not up mountains or in much mud (it is the desert after all)
The steepest thing I'd be going up are switchbacks dirt roads. I'm not hauling any type of deer carkas etc.. maybe just a few camping odds and ends every now and again.
At some point, I'd like 2 vehicals (1 for myself and 1 for the wife), but that will probably come later.
I'm hoping to find some used ones at local dealers or on craigslist or something and stay within a $3000 budget

So what are my options? what brands do I steer clear of? Am I ok without 4 wheel drive? What are some good information sites? any info is helpful as I gather ideas here. thanks in advance.

 

Any of the major brand (Yamaha Honda Polaris ect ect) will worrk great for your needs. The Polaris Sportsman 500, Honda Rancher or a Yamaha Grizz come to mind. You can even look at a good 2up if you both wanna ride together save some $$$$ on two bikes. I would stay away from the chineese bikes if I were you!

 

The great desert quads, are the great trail sport quads, with some modifications! The Honda 400EX, Suzuki Z400, and the Yamaha Raptor 700 are at the top of the list. If you want a step up from there in performance, then there are the 450's. The Honda 450R is the king of desert endurance racing (like Baja and Vegas to Reno)...so that is what I ride!

For the wife, maybe something smaller (???). The Yamaha Raptor 250 is one sweet little machine! The Honda 250EX is a good choice as well.

I have off-roaded lots in AZ. Utility quads are lame in the desert , so unless you plan to go to Flagstaff and ride in the snow (which is great fun!), or go deliberately looking for terrifying terrain, pass them up. (Better yet, later get some utes to compliment your sport quad stable.)

Kind of take your cue from the desert buggies you see around. They are 2wd and stripped down ultralight to the bare minimum. You want to use momentum and light weight to float along on top, not dig in and grapple for traction (and just dig 4 big holes!) like you would on some 700 pound monster utility.

 

OK, so I took a trip down to a local dealer and looked at a few Hondas and Suzuki's. They all looked in great shape including a particular Suzuki Z400 and a 250cc Honda (for the wife). THey ar eboth 2006's and in great shape. I couldnt't find any signs of major wear.
They even had a 8x10 trailer (which I need) that looked in great shape.

Because I didn't have the cash on me right there, he kept lowering the price to make the sale TODAY (lolz). I told the guy that I need to sort out my own financing whatever etc...

But I wanted to ask you all, if you think $7,700 is a decent deal on the 2 ATV's and the trailer? FYI- The trailer is worth maybe $1,000. They will even throw in a set of new tires for the Honda as they looked a little worn.

 

Edited info above on pricing etc...

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Chowderneck

OK, so I took a trip down to a local dealer and looked at a few Hondas and Suzuki's. They all looked in great shape including a particular Suzuki Z400 and a 250cc Honda (for the wife)

They even had a 8x10 trailer (which I need) that looked in great shape.



Becuase I didn't have the cash on me right there, he kept lowering the price to make the sale TODAY (lolz). I told the guy that I need to sort out my own financing whatever etc...



But I wanted to ask you all, if you think $7,700 is a decent deal on the 2 ATV's and the trailer? FYI- The trailer is worth maybe $1,000. They will even throw in a set of new tires for the Honda as they looked a little worn.</end quote></div>
Lets put it this way if you dont buy it I will. (Depending on condition of everything)LOL. Sorry at work so I cannot see the pics. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

The Z is one H of a bike, worth every penny if in good shape!

 

That sounds like a pretty good deal to me... I would jump on it if I were you! Have they started the quads up for you/let you take it for a spin? Just to make sure that everything seems to be in good working condition.

Otherwise it sounds good! If you ever get tired of the power on the Z400, you can always pick up a Yoshimura big-bore 450cc kit...

 

Hey guys new to the forum. I am in the market for a new quad and need some price advice. My local dealer has an 08 yamaha grizzly what is a great price for one of these beast. It is the FI model without the EPS. If there is anyone out there that can give me an idea on a price. I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Hey Earthsurfer, welcome to the forum. The 08 Grizzly is the 700 right? It's a great machine. Not to sure on pricing, I'm up in Canada, but I'm sure someone from the US will be able to help you out. What was the dealer quoting you (or has he given you a price yet?).