My buddy is looking at buying a used 03 AC 400 4x4. It has a winch and rear 2-up seat with 500 miles. Lookes to be in nice shape, but the guy wants $5400.00 Can. for it. I know this is too much , so I have two guestions for you all:
#1- what is a good price for this machine? (Canadian $)
#2- how is this machine, and or, what are the problems and weaknesses??
Thanks in advance for all your responses.

 

Is this quad junk or what?? No responses yet..

 

It has only been three hours man, posts like this take weeks to get going.

I have no idea about the Canadian value, but check online at KBB or NADA or something. They carry ATV prices now too.

They are excellent machines, not a speed deamon though, more mud, rocks, off-road type of stuff. Great for hauling and towing too. Good luck.

 

Thanks Catterman!! I know I should wait but I'm not good at that. Must be the cold up here!! My buddy is more into slow tail riding and some mud, that's why he is looking at a cat. What is the 4-wheel drive system like on these machines?? Is it similar to the Polaris in the way it works??

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] Well, I guess no one rides this quad. I'll tell my buddy to buy a POLARIS!!

 

NO, the 4x4 system is TOTALLY different then Polaris's. The Polaris uses an AWD system that requires the rear tires to spin 20% before the fronts engage, so, even when you select 4x4 you are only in 2x4 unless your tires are spinning. This is also a BIG deal when you are trying to go down steep hills, as your engine breaking is only going to be working on your two rear tires, not the fronts. This can be very dangerous.

The Arctic Cat 400 uses a system just like a truck, limited slip front diff.

 

Thanks again catterman!! Sounds like you really know your cats. I will let my buddy know. Now, are there any bad things to look for on this machine?? Things that may cost money right after the purchase??

 

Lots of people here know a lot more then I do, however I used to own a 2004 Arctic Cat 400 until about a year ago. It was great.

They were tanks, only thing to look for would be to make sure the CV boots are not torn, otherwise they were like a tank.

 

Hotdogmb,

I own and drive an AC 400 FIS and a 500 TRV 2-up machine. They are both 2003 models. I like them both. The only concern I would have is whether or not the 400 engine would have the guts to drag to larger sized adults around well enough to keep you happy. I want to add here that this is not a huge concern but a concern. I have had two 300+ pound adults on my AC400 riding 2 people and I did not have much difficulty. However, when I rode through the same area on the 500 TRV with the same people it went through the same stuff a little easier.

I do know the TRV weighs more than a standard machine. I don't have the specs in front of me to know exactly how much they differ.

The stock tires of the TRV also make it do what I would call "bump steering" on corners. The outside of the machine dips, causing you to correct, and you can bump or jump back on the opposite direction. This is caused by the soft side walls of the tires rolling on the rim. By switching to a 6ply radial tire of your choice and or upgrading the spings to heavy duty springs and this goes away.

Other than that theya re great machines. I am not too familiar with Canadian prices. I can tell you that I have seen 2003 Artic Cat ATV's for sale for between $3200 and $4500 and one 2004 TRV for $4200. If I truely needed another machine these prices were good enough for me. I believe $5400 Canadian is some place between $4400-$5000 US. so the price sounds reasonable to me. Check the prices of new if you want to. I think a new 2006 TRV is around $7000 U.S.

Hope this helps

SJ

 

Great SJ, this does help alot. Thanks for your input.