Hi,

New to the forums and to ATVs in general. Plan to use a Rancher to plow, pull around a little garden cart in the summer, maybe drag felled tree a bit. I really like the size of the Rancher compared to all the other 500cc and above models. It just seems more maneuverable, the plow is easier to see, etc. And I especially like the EFI which is rare to non-existent in other brands in the sub-500cc models. Probably won't use it recreationally much if at all, but one never knows.

I'm looking at 2 ATVs, both which have the same specs:

2012 Rancher, EPS, ES, SRA, 0 miles, ~$1k off MSRP
2010 Rancher, EPS, ES, SRA, 25 miles ~$2k off MSRP

The 2010 Rancher is actually not new but clearly not used either. So I consider them both new. The 2010 is $1000 cheaper so from that point of view alone it's the better deal. Are there any issues with buying the 2010 over the 2012? Any new earth shattering improvements from 2010 to 2012? Any thoughts about a bike that's not really been ridden in 3 years, i.e. cracking hoses, old gas, etc. Of course no warranty on the 2010 but that shouldn't be an issue I wouldn't think.

What would you do?

Thanks!

 

Take the 2010 and buy a winch and good tires. The stock tires on a rancher are junk.

 

I would buy the 2010.

 

The 2010 already has a Warn winch and plow on it. I valued those at ~$1k in the prices above even though I know I could purchase them for less than that and install them myself on the 2012. As a result, they're actually priced about the same currently. But the net on each one of them in my garage with a winch and plow would still be about $1k difference. Definitely leaning toward the 2010. I go look at it today or tomorrow.

 

25 miles is a quarter tank of gas. The 2012 will have 25 miles on it after a hour ride then I guess it will not be considered new any longer.

 

He apparently has used it to plow his driveway and a few others on his block. Says it's never been off the block. It's definitely not dealer new, but it would be hard to call it used--well, until pricing negotiations start. Then it's definitely "used, needing service, battery, no warranty", etc!