We have a 2003 300 and 400 and are looking to add another ATV to the stable this summer. The 400 is very good, but find the 300 is easier to handle and perfect for our needs. I checked the AC web sites and don't see a 300 in their 2006 lineup. The 250 is only available in 2x4 so not what we want. Will we be stuck trying to track down a leftover 2005?

Thanks,
Dave

 

I think Cat dropped the ball on this one. I was looking forward to a 250 or 300, 4X4 Auto for my son and my wife, becuae the 400 is just to big for smaller framed people, I had to buy the wife a 450 Kodiak because it was the smallest fully independent auto I could find. She loves riding now and my son is too big for his 90cc so I am going to be looking at another Kodiak since Cat droped their small 4X4's. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

daveburden, AC dropped both the 250 and 300 IRS models in favor of the Kymco chain drive 250 in a DVX model and a shaft drive 2X4 ute version for 2006. There are plans for a Kymco 300 version, but IMO the solid rear axle in the ute version is a step back, not forward. I agree with CATSKINNER and you that the old 250 and 300s were a great machine, my wife likes our (read hers) 2001 250 over my 2005 400 because of the size and handling. CATSKINNER, The old IRS 250 and 300 were all manual and their biggest lacking was no auto. So in 2006 the auto come along, but the IRS and all the other good features are gone. Go figure![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-mad.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

 

I agree Bear, the 300 Cat is a great handling little quad. The lower center of gravity make the quad feel much more stable. My wife was plum wore out after riding my 650 all day. She always felt like it was going to tip over when she got on any kind of a side hill. I have never had any problems with my 650 and I love the way they handle but it is just to much machine for the wife and boy. My son is only 12 so a 400 Auto is just a little to much chassis for him to negotiate through rough terrain. The 300 class machine is still a huge market and I can't believe Cat did not focus a little more on the small bore, 4X4 autos.

 

So, if we can't find a leftover 300 4x4 later this year, what other brands make a similar machine? Basically the size of the 300, 4x4 and hopefully manual shifter, not CVT/auto.

Thanks,
Dave

 

Yamaha makes the Bruin 350 (auto)
Kawi has the Prairie 360 (auto also)

 

I can't think of any other manual, 4x4's out there. You shouldn't have any problem finding a leftover though. Good luck [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I was unable to find any manufacture that still makes a 300 4X4 manual. Yamaha makes the 400 Big Bear Manual, Cat still has a manual in the 400 4X4 and Suzuki has a 400 4X4 Manual.

 

Suzuki still makes a 250 2X4 only. The 4X4 250 and the 300 are gone, so maybe AC didn't have a choice in dropping the 300 and 250. Polaris makes the Hawkeye 300 4X4 and the Magnum 330 4X4, Honda makes the Four Trax 350 Rancher and Yamaha makes the Bruin 350 4X4.

 

Well, we hadn't planned on getting one this soon, but when the deals come up, you have to jump. The local AC dealer had one used ATV in stock - an '04 300 4x4 manual. Went up there today and picked it up. Brand new tires and wheels (from an '06 400, which it was traded on), fewer miles than we have on either of ours. Good deal and now three of us can ride all summer.

Dave

'03 AC 400 4x4 manual - green
'03 AC 300 4x4 manual - red
'04 AC 300 4x4 manual - red (the new one)