i seen 2 of them once a 2 mths back on a 50 plus degree december day. they sound a tad different than the ozark. i sat on one at the dealer nice machine. i only went up to bigger machine cause i needed it for bigger things. would i been happy on the ozark for sure since it will go through anything.

 

Well i have a 2005 250, its different the newer ones. But will say, i love my machince. im 160 lbs pulls me around fine, use it for trail ridin. Havent gotten it to stuck it.I had the same probem, couldnt find a decent used 1, but im really happy with this machine. just give it a good test ride,and see what you think about it

 

Well i know when AC still made the 250 they had IRS and you could find them in 4x4. maybe like 02?? not sure what year. but they are a BLAST to ride. and it'll go for ever on a tank of gas. almost twice as far as my 500 does. but i know they do make a 250 with IRS and 4x4. just not sure what year. look into it.. it's when AC still made the 250..
just my thoughts.

And i can take said 250 more places than i can my 500. (grandpa has a 250 i speak of.)

good luck.

HR.

 

2005 and back were all a downsized version of the 400 and 500s. A very top of the line 250 and 300 that no one else could compete with, my wife will never give hers up. 2006 and up are made by Kymco and has solid rear axle, no 4X4 and the ute version has shaft drive instead of chain and and different plastic than the DVX 250.

 

I got my 2001 Artic Cat 250 Running and it pulls my *** around just fine, has plenty of power for trail riding. I love my IRS set-up, it has a very smooth ride and flexes extremely well for a 4 wheeler. I weigh around 180 as well but like it was said above, you can get a nice used 400 4x4 for the price your willing to pay.

 

The other nice thing about the Ozark 250 is how light it is for us heavier folks. If and when you get it stuck you can throw your weight around a little (pardon the pun) and get it out usually. It will probably use less fuel than a larger machine.

If you look around you can find a few used larger ATV's for the money. But, they just recently had a sale here on the 2005/2006 Ozark's. If you financed them you could get them for $1999 after a rebate the 3rd year of your payments. Not sure exactly how it worked, but it was a good buy. At the same time I could have gotten a 2005 Suzuki 500 LTF auto for $3648 after a rebate. IT was a 47-month mail in rebate thing.

So keep looking if you want a little larger machine, you will find a good buy be patient.

SJ

 

If you just thinking of yourself I would get a larger machine. But since you are thinking passing it down to the kids
perfect. I have a 250 06 for my 12 year old and it is a hell of a machine, rides and handles nice he keeps up well. seems like a perfect size machine when your in the woods or have to physically move it around. I have a 650 H1 and when we need just 1 machine for deer draggin and working on stands, the 250 is the ticket. We have about 600 miles on the 250 since August and runs like a top.( knock on wood). I got the kids for 3100.00 and seen 1 as low as 2950 so you still got some room on that 3400 to operate.

 

Thank you all very much. You have been very helpful and I greatly appreciate the info and advice.

 

I suggest you sit on the 250 and the 400 and see the size difference and feel the difference. I too thought about the 250 to save money, but at 6'3" and 220 lbs, the 250 just felt too small for me. I went with the 400 and have been happy with it. If you're not in a rush, you can find a good used ATV in your price range. Look at atvconnection.com and you'll find deals. It amazes me how husband and wives by big atvs and never ride them only to sell them a year later.

 

I've an older 250 and carry a few more pounds than you. works just fine - it's powerful enough to carry your weight with no problems. i've also used it a lot around the farm carrying, hauling, dragging, ... with no problems. i had a $$ limit when I got it and found many of the used atvs to be well worn.