I have decided that the snowblower for the driveway is not going to cut it, so have decided an ATV must be purchased. It will also be used for pulling a dock, boat lift and pontoon out of the lake, cruising around town (yes we can ride on the road here and most people do).... I have it boiled down to two options...one is newer with less equipment, one is older but is a complete package...both are $3500 and that is my max..... here are my choices:

2004 Polaris Sportsman 400 194 hours, 1262 miles, great shape. Extras are: winch with Polaris 48” 5- position plow blade, hand warmers and guards, tank bags, rack bag, bumpers, and ATV cover, registration needs updating

2007 Honda Rancher AT EFI 4x4. 44 hours 154 miles runs great. No winch and no extras, registered

Thanks is advance guys!

 

I'd vote the Rancher. Unless you really need those extras that come with the Polaris they don't have that much value for what you need. Also, since you will be doing cold weather stuff the EFI on the Rancher will be nice. Is the Polaris EFI? (I'm thinking not). EFI by itself is worth a lot of those extras.

All around the Rancher is a better bike anyway. Add in being three years newer with 1/10th of the mileage and it makes the Rancher even a better deal. $3,500 is a decent price. You could probably find an '07 Rancher a little cheaper, but not likely to find one with so few miles.

 

One of the reasons I need it is for plowing...so with the Rancher I would have to buy and install a winch and buy a plow....how much will those run?

 

i'd go for the rancher as well, newer and less miles generally results in less maintenance. be sure to thoroughly inspect it when you go look at it, and good luck!