Hello...I'm looking to buy a new Arctic Cat 500...But now after reading some of the troubles that some of you have had with yours I just don't know....Is the quality just not there yet or what?....Most people I know own a Honda or a Polaris....I want something else....A/C sounds like it could be a great machine.....Thanks.

 

If you ask me those other companies have just as much trouble(maybe honda has ALITTLE LESS, MAYBE MORE). If you go to the honda or polaris forum and post a question like was posted here i'm willing to bet you will get even more stories like you heard here, but only about that brand.

 

Everything will have some problems, because there are people who tear there stuff up quicker in every forum. Also, there are always quads that are just born losers as well- meaning lemons or moderate lemons. If you want the lowdown, Honda makes the longest lasting and toughest engine period. Not from just reading, but from personal witness of longevity of tons of them since 1984. Nothing is better than a honda engine. Bar none. I haven't had any troubles with my Arctic Cat. Though there are things that I like better about other quads, I have never found enough like or dislike to warrant myself to trade mine for a different machine. For me, the overall picture adds up to the same thing I have. If you don't want the same as the others, (which was me 2 years ago), get an AC, Suzuki, or even a Yamaha. All are good. Obviously I prefer what I have over the others, but thats one person's opinion. Arctic Cats can usually be found for good prices too, basically because they aren't as popular being new to the game. I have owned hondas, and been around them since the 1984 TRX 200 that a friend had for years with no trouble, and I when I was looking for a new one, I really considered the 450. Then I looked real hard at the AC500 and rode it. Suspension was better than the honda, stability was better, power and speed was better, it looked just as tough, looked meaner as far as the racks and bumper went, and after that, I couldnt see the point in paying more for the honda. I would do the same if I had it to do over again, only I prefer the 99 graphics to the 2000 models.

 

NOTE FROM ATVBBS:

No duplicate posts, please.

atvbbs

 

I own a 1998 500 Cat and never had a lick of problems with the machine. It has been a great machine all the power I will ever need and very dependable. If you drive different machines you will see that it is a very sturdy machine also. It doesn't have all the fancy electric stuff, but all that is is future problems and expences. Its a very good work machine and it will play too. I am one very satisfied customer. Good luck with your decision.

 

I think the problem with Artic Cat is they don't get enough attention in the magazines. I purchased my quads in March of this year but never really considered Arctic Cat, because I didn't know anything about them. The magazines very rarely do a shoot out involving them.

It has been proven that advertising does help sales.

Just an observation.

 

They are the Ugliest quad i have ever Seen.

 

every atv has there bad spots, i am sure that ac will last longer than other Manufacturer on the atv that are on the market. but it may depend how you ride see my dad bought him a yamaha big bear 350 that is comeing on two years. there has never been any thing wronge with it. Maybe he does no ride it alot in the summer. when winter comes around he use it for traping. But a half year later i got a 250 Beartracker. i has easy on it when i first but not now its still good

 

I don't know anyone who has much trouble with AC. all quads break, I was just at the local Arctic Cat , Kawasaki, Honda place and was out back, there were allot of torn apart Hondas the Ranchers, and Foremans mostly, I said to the mechanic I thought Honda's never breakdown, he laughed at me and said yeah right! He told me they are no better than AC or Kawasaki.

 

If you want the ugliest quad on the market get the AC, but i heard that they perform very well. If you want something other than honda or polaris the ac would be a good choice!!