This is a very weird thread to post about so I should probably start out with a little background.

I currently have a 1999 yamaha bear tracker. Great quad no complaints. It does exactly what it is built for very well.

I am looking to upgrade to something bigger and better. Now, my first choice was a grizzly 700. I know half a dozen people with them and from what I have seen, they are one of if not the best quad out there. I have seen them stock go through things that I had presumed would destroy the quad. But, I have also ridden many times a 96 sportsman 400. Also a great quad. Well, for its age and technology at the time anyway. I know it is a 2 stroke rather than the 02 I posted about but just my experience so far.

Now to my predicament; I have found 2 very reasonably priced quads that I am currently debating over. The first, a 07 grizzly 700. It is the power steering model with 250ish miles on it. They are asking 6k. The other is a 02 sportsman 400. It has 680ish miles on it and are asking 2600.

The predicament is obviously in the price difference. I don't really need the power of the 700 but what guy doesn't like a little extra power . Before I know anything the 400 is obviously the more responsible thing to buy. I guess my question is; is the 700 really worth the extra money it will cost to buy? Also, is the 400 a good quad? I know that was a completely redesigned year for them and there were a lot of changes. Any input or help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Obviously its the price that would turn you from the 700 Grizzly. The good news about the 400 is it must be in great shape with only under 700 miles.
the 400 is the same ATV I have but with a smaller 34mm carb vs a 40mm and 425cc vs 499cc and a lower duration cam.

Except for top end speed the 400 will perform the same as mine on the trails. I rode the 700 Grizzly many times and can tell you where it does not beat the Sportsman, it does not ride any nicer for comfort wise and does not have any more traction because all Polaris are true AWD. Even though its a 425 once in low range (Tank mode) a 700 grizzly could not out pull it or push it.

Tie both ATVs together and neither will move just bury themselfs in 4 deep tire ruts.

Unless you ride high speed roads at 50+mph alot the 700 will not trail behave better and surely not $3400 Better.

But the up side of the Yamaha is when you sell it down the road you will get lots of that $3400 back because a 2007 Yamaha 700 with power steering will resell for much higher years from now plus you had a more higher end enjoyable machine for those years of riding.

Here is some owner reviews on the 400 and they seem to like the ATV. Vehicle Reviews for 2002 Polaris Sportsman 400

Short term I,d take the sportsman with $3400 cash in my wallet.

Long term I would take the 700 Grizzly.

Its your choice.

 

id rather have newer and pay a little more. Regardless of mileage but not to ignore it, its typical to pay around $800-$1000 more for power steering on a new bike and i cant see that price dropping that much even being used,about $800 for EFI and not to mention it costs more to buy a 4 stoke engine.
them items alone just about make up the difference.
you also said it yourself the grizzly is proven to be a very well atv.
For an atv that is 5 years old i think the price could come down a little bit also. I bought a 700 brand new for 6800 in 08. Mine was a cat though without PS.
Also,as soon as i hear 2 stoke im usually not interested anymore. Even my weed eater is a 4 stoke. 4 stokes have come a loooonnng way as far as power compared to a 2 stoke and with out smoking out your buddies behind you,lol. IDK, to me id try offering $5,000 for the grizzly,then go from there or look for another machine all together. Even if you paid the 6,000 i think youd be better off especially in the long run.

 

The 400 Sportsman is a 425 Four stroke. Same Fuji built motor as the 500 Sportsman just a different bore and stroke.

They quit making two stroke 400 Sportsman in 1995 I think.

The 400 sportsman has the major options that count,IRS,True AWD,liquid cooling and low range.
The EFI i,m not sure is a big deal. I rode a SP500 EFI and carb or EFI they both start and go I can,t tell them apart.

 

thanks for correcting me, i assumed it was 2 stroke in 02 still. Your right about EFI,it really doesnt matter,but im just stating,if its an option needed or wanted that is why the grizz will be higher in price as well as PS. If them two factors arent an issue then no point in buying it.

 

Thanks for the replies! I have been very busy lately getting ready for the harvest which is now full underway... Just got out of the field actually. And it turns out the polaris is now sold. So I guess my decision is half made for me... With the corn filling the bins right now I'll probably have to wait another month or so atleast before I have time to go get one or go looking some more. Thought I was going to get another week or so before we started but I assumed wrong. Kind of sucks because I would like to have it before deer season comes around but that might not happen... For now, the Ol' bear tracker is going to have to be the main go-to ride for one more year for hauling my deer out of the timber