I'm looking to buy my first ATV. Been talking to a lot of folks...most tell me there brand is the best out their. Then when I mention Can-Am, I usually hear something like "Cadillac of ATVs" no matter what they own.....so I think Can-Am is the way to go.

I'll be using it on mountain trails...not much mud here in the southwest. I've driven an Outlander 500 and a Polaris, and frankly, I have no idea what the hell to look/listen/feel for when I'm riding.

I saw a 2008 Renegade 500 locally, asking price is $4200. I also saw a 2008 650 Outlander XT 2UP. Asking is $6500. I like the 2UP so I can bring my wife along and see if she wants one for herself, but that's a big $$$ difference.

What're the differences between the Renegade and Outlander?

Any other thoughts for a newbie?

Thanks!!

 

Renegade is about 60 lbs. lighter than the Outlander so it's a little sportier to ride but doesn't have the racks like the Outty does. Both are good machines with a good ride. Polaris is about as good as a ride gets comfort-wise. Honda's are most reliable but tend to have fewest features. Yamaha and Suzuki make good all around machines. If you want your wife to go with you a 2-up machine is the way to go. They're made for the extra weight of the passenger and ride that much better when you're riding by yourself. Since a 2-up machine has a longer wheelbase they aren't as likely to tip forward or backward as a 1-up on steep climbs or decents.