Ok I am looking to buy another four wheeler and have my eyes set on a 1996 Polaris Scrambler 400 4x4. Wheeler is mint shape body and mechanical. Tires are a little worn but could probably go another year. I am not sure what to offer him. I thought it would be a good big brother for my 1998 Trailblazer ( which is going to the wife). Im also looking at a 2007 Honda 250ex. Excellent shape also.

Im torn between them as they are both $1500. Both are great shape. I just like my Trailblazer alot but its not quite fast enough. My wife loves the trailblazer so I was thinking I would give that to her. I also like the fact the scrambler is 4x4 which I think I would use. I am just worried about parts as being 15 years old something is going to go wrong sometime.

Which would use choose and why? Should I worry about finding parts? That is the main reason I would settle for the 250 Honda as its newer and I am not worried about parts as much.

 

Well I own a polaris (330 Trailboss) and a Honda Recon 250 that has the same engine as the 250 ex (I believe). I'd buy the honda before an older polaris 2 stroke. The build quality of the Honda is head and shoulders above that vintage Polaris IMHO. Also, depending on what you are doing with it, the small honda is really nimble and a blast in tight twisty woods.

 

That is kinda where i was leaning. Mainly the age scares me. My trailblazer has given me no trouble but in about 3 inches of snow it doesnt go hardly anywhere. Of course the tires are original so i was thinking some new shoes on it would help alot. I dont believe in parking them for the winter. I did that with my dirtbikes when i was younger. Snow riding is fun to me.

I was able to pull my kids on a sled down the driveway with the trailblazer, heck my wife pulled me and the kids around on the sled. Just loses traction going up the hill. If i could just get her to drag the sled in the middle instead of down the tire tracks with all the gravel me and my butt would be happy.

 

My Honda Recon with new swamp fox tires will fo through 6" or so without a problem. Beyond that 4 wheel drive is the way to go. If you like weird machines the 2 stroke 4x4 Scrambler is #1 with the series of drive chains going to the front wheels. I personally have no experience riding one though. There is one for sale locally for $1200.00. My next machine is going to be 4 wheel drive as I like to ride in the snow also. I've been considering a 450 or 500 Sportsman as some of my neighbors have them and seem to have great luck with them. Also the local dealer always has sales on them so that is an incentive for me to go the Polaris route.

 

If you like to tinker and mod then ANY 400 Polaris is great.They can be as fast or faster than a Banshee.
On a 96 Scrambler I wouldnt go more than $800.Because it WILL be ready for a rebuild

 

Well shoot, I hope I didn't overpay now. I gave him $1300. It has rebuilt transmission, bored 20 over, new radiator, shocks, clutch kit, drive belt, chains, tie rod ends, K&N air filter, aftermarket exhaust( two years old). All work done at my local polaris dealer. Heres a few pics. Plastic is great shape, and everything works.





This was after I hit the white plastic with the old Magic Eraser



This will now be the wifes.

 

Keep the maintenance up and you will be ok

 

Looks like you got a machine that has been well taken care of. I would have gladly handed over $1300 for it.