I am considering purchasing an '06 500 Manual Shift Arctic Cat. Does anyone have any input or suggestions before I make the purchase? Any problems I should be aware of? Anything I should not leave the dealership without? Let's hear it, good and bad. What is reasonable OTD price for this bike? Thanks.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with that bike. I have a '99 A/C 500 4x4 that until just recently, I have never had any problems out of. Even now I don't think the problem is major. Arctic cat's are tough bikes and they seem to improve every year. I'm alsoconsidering the purchase of a new one myself, but I think I may go with the 400 this time. I test drove a 400 manual the other day and it has just as much torque as my bike ever had and loads more top end. With the changes they made over the years with the ignitions, the independent rear suspension, 2 to 4 wheel drive shift-on-the-go, and about a foot of ground clearance even on the 400, you can't go wrong in my opinion. The dealer I spoke to, who is the same one that sold me my present bike, figured a new 400 at $5871.49 out-the-door at a 6.75% tax rate. I have'nt shopped around much,but there may be a better price out there somewhere. In any case, an arctic cat would be a smart purchase. Good luck.

 

The 06 500 manual is an excellent atv in my opinion, i've got over 600 miles on mine and no problems. The manual transmission puts the power to the ground very well. I paid $5997 otd in june. I would highly recomend it

 

06 500 manual is $6,000 OTD here. i would see what other kind of tires they would be willing to exchange for the stock ones.

 

I test drove an '06 500 Manual this weekend. The bike seems very solid and well put together. I didn't get to open it up, but I got a pretty good idea about it. I noticed that it was really low geared. I also noticed the turning radius seemed wide. I ride a lot of fast tight trails and like to hang the rear end out sometimes. I'm beginning to wonder if the AC 500 is the right bike for me. The dealer offered it to me for $5200 OTD. It seems like that is a great price.

 

That is definitely a great price, but before you dismiss the bike you should go back there and open that thing up. You'll be a little more impressed for sure. If not, then good luck with whatever you decide to buy. Take care.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]