Definitely looking for guys experience on well known "best Manufacture years" on the Hondas... & trying to buy quality used.

-Looking to do some hunting (mud), trails, and some work-priority in that order

Rancher 420 - sounds great for the 'fun' aspect of trails, but is it too small for work(potential snow plowing maybe...) and me?? (I'm 6'3"-220lbs).

Foreman 500 - sounds great for my hunting and work, so I'd like to go with this solid axle, manual, but is it too 'stiff & boring' for the odd fun trail??

Rubicon 500 - sounds great for hyd.tranny, and maybe the ES issues aren't too bad?? (**so back to original question re: Best Manuf. Years??)

Looking to spend ~$5-6.5K in Ontario, Can., and thinking maybe mid-winter and bad economy is good time to buy (ie. versus waiting till summer when everyone starts riding again...)

Sorry, so many questions, but I'm fairly new to all the specs...

 

You won't go wrong with any of these. Major changes....the Rancher went from 350 to 420, and got fuel injection and water cooling in 07. The Froreman went from 450 to 500, but I can't remember what year.

Personally, I think the Rubicon is needlessly complex. If that trans goes, you will have to replace it. It is not serviceable by either you or even the dealer.

As far as the Rancher being to small for you, you won't find it to small in the power department. But, only you can decide if the cockpit is to small for you.

The Foreman has a solid reputation as a "work" quad. Probably not the hot ticket if you mostly want to do trail riding.