I've been reading these forums for about 6 months now and if I'm going to spend $6k, I'm probably going to buy a 500 auto with the winch. Sure, I'd prefer to buy used and spend less, but any of the other models that are a year old still cost the same. I can't find any 2000 Cats. I don't want to go any older b/c of maintenance issues. I'll use it mostly for utility and a little cruising around the neighborhood which from what I've read it will do fine. I'm not much of a mechanic, so I want it to be built like a beast and the Cat has that covered. Although these are small tasks, I'm buying big b/c I'm big (6'3", 220lbs)and I don't know what my needs in the future. I've done some test rides, very minimal though. My opinion on other manufacturers:

Honda - Cost to much for what you get - old technology - The ES, just something simple to break
Polaris - Great machines and I know the reliability is getting better, but if I get one of the bad ones, I'm screwed b/c I'm not a mechanic and the closest dealer is 50 miles away. Rode the 500 Sportsman and it felt great, though.
Yamaha - Kodiak - Rode it and just didn't feel comfortable - Kind of all over the place - maybe i'm too big for the machine.
Cat 500 manual - felt like a good size for me, but I only had a chance to ride it in a parking lot. I probably won't have a chance to get a good ride on it.

The most negative thing I hear is that the Cat is not a trail machine and is not intended for that. Well, I will probably do some trail riding here and there. Is it that most of you have friends with sportier machines and you feel like the cat just can't compete or do your really notice it on trails that it's that bad? For me, I only know one person with a 4 wheeler and he's got a grizzly. Against that, I don't plan on competing. This is the only thing that's making me second guess.

 

Don't let any one tell you AC are not good trail bikes I have 4000 mil. on my 500 95% of that is on trails I am 6.1 230lb,

 

It may not turn as sharply as others, but riding the 500 auto all day long will not jar your bones either. I love the suspension and think that it outperforms most other bikes. I think the only bad part about trail riding the AC is that it could be faster. I ride with a friend that has a Prairie 400, and he can pull away from me in straight away situations, but ride on tough terain or in the mud, and I destroy the Kawasaki! I love it and hope that you will too! Good luck!

 

Funny thing is that this is the only place I hear from Arctic Cat owners. This forum is the place where I keep hearing they are not good on the trail. Well, I shouldn't say that; I hear that they are not designed for trail riding and shouldn't be bought if that is a primary need.

 

I'm personally partial to Honda's and could argue about the different makes and models of atv's until blue in the face. What it boils down to is this, atv's are like trucks, everyone has an opinion about what's best.

I did look seriously at the Arctic Cats before my last purchase. They do seem to offer the most bang for the buck and I've only read a few negative things about them, most owners have nothing but praise for the A.C's.

I've owned honda in the past and I don't mind a little "old" technology as long as it gets me safely back to the truck after a days ride.

I can't comment on the A.C.'s as a trail machine, but in my opinion the best "sport-utility/trail" machine on the market is the Honda Rancher 4x4. If you don't like the ES take a look at the S model. I'm 6'1" and 215 and the Rancher is perfect.

If you're partial to the Arctic Cat I certainly can't blame you. They're definately priced right for the features they offer. The best thing is you're getting a new machine, remember to ride safe and always have fun.

 

I have owned 3 of the 4 machines you have mentioned and found the following, I would'nt get the automatic the transmision get's water in it , it takes 3hrs to change the belt in a shop it's slower then most the seals go out when a little dirt gets in then the water and dirt get into the motor...!!! The standard trans cat is great no real problems to speak of and is good on trails if you stick to 25" tires very quick good power.
The rubicon is also exellent I would rate it just slightly better then the 500 cat because of the auto trans it works very well especially on trails but for the money go with the man cat you won't be disapointed if you don't mind shifting.

 

I think the main reason AC gets flamed is just because there is more body roll at high speeds due the rearend setup, but I didnt buy my quad to ride it like a sport quad. I personally think that cat is a great trail machine, the ride is one of the smoothest in the busness. Your buddies may beat you on the long straight aways but once the terrain gets rough they will be wishing they where ont the cat. You take that with its ableness to work its hard pressed to find a better match for you.
matty

 

I have to disagree with what is being said as the AC's being bad trail machines. If you are riding a trail that consists of double and triple jumps, long sections of whip dee doo's and large berms for corners (more commonly known as motocross tracks), I will concede you can find a better ride. For the rest of the trails, such as the ones in forests, across deserts and such, I think the AC is hard to beat. No, they will not do 60-70 miles an hour, but most trail riding is not done that fast. The ride on my 500 and 300 is better or as good as ANY other machine I have rode. If your idea of trail riding is loading up a lunch, some drinks, a jacket and such on the racks and going out to enjoy a day long ride it don't get any better than the Artic Cats- enough said!

 

i don't know what trails this ute won't be good on, but on the GOAT trails i ride on, i wouldn't ask more from a machine. the body roll thing can be addressed with cowboy's spring spacer trick.
i don't think you can get a more comfortable ride on slow, steep, rocky technical type of trails. and do it with a ton of weight on the racks. just my opinion.....

 

I had a2000 Rancher ES, could not get used to the
electric shift, (my problem). After 1 year I looked at all models, researched & test rode. I mostly ride trails in the woods & mountains so speed is not a big deal, but ride is. The AC auto
was my choice. It works great for me. Plus it is the most bang for the buck. Good luck on your
choice.