Hello, I'm new to ATVing and am considering purchasing either of these machines. Both are brand new, what are the differences between the 2005 model and the 2007 model. Are there any improvements over the two years to make the 07 model more desirable?
Thanks for any input.

 

I can't think of any major changes, doesn't mean there aren't any though. I would recommend finding a dealer that has both, take them for a ride and weigh the cost difference for your budget.

 

Well i bought an 06, and LOVE IT. but i wish now i had bought the 07, for one reason. it has the side engine covers. my 06 my legs and my wifes legs get a little to hot for us. if i had bought the 07 i wouldn't have to worry about that.
that is the ONLY thing i wish i had. i love the locker, power, gc, and ride. i think they are the same from 05-07. not 100% sure though.
i do know you'll be happy with either atv. i just wish i had spend the little extra cash on the 07. i got my 06 for 5800 OTD in NOV. of 06. then i put a warn 3.0ci winch and warn 50" plow on it. and love the power and gas milage the 500 gets.

all in all it's your dimes pick the one you will like the best.

HR.

 

Hey Man , I bought a 06 500 auto a couple of months ago myself. I really liked the motor covers on the 07's also. I ordered some from my dealer AC shipped the wrong panels. I have a friend that just bought a 07 700, we removed his covers and tried them on my 500 and they fit just fine. You will also need 8 grommets. Some of the holes are predrilled under the black splash panels on your atv. You will have to drill about 4 additional 9/16 holes. you will also have to cut a couple of slits for the bottom panel that goes on the side with the pull starter. It really improves the looks and cuts down on the heat and the sound.

Good Luck

 

If you like the side panels (to cut down on the heat) you may be able to make some from the inner rear fender (plastic) from a pickup. On the exhaust pipe side of my machine got pretty warm on the legs so I just took a piece glued some aluminum foil to the back side (reflect the heat) cut it to fit and it works.

Back to the machine 05 or 07, probably would come down to the deal. I would assume you would get a much better deal on the 05... Heck they are both new and probably not too much different. They are not quite like cars as far as value when used is concerned - mostly condition. I have seen some 1 year old machines that I would not pay a dime for but also seen some that are 3 and 4 years old that were in mint condition that to me would be worth buying.

For me if the dealer gave me a good deal on the 05 that is the way I would go.. with the saved money you could decorate it with winches, side panels etc...

 

Well I've looked both years over pretty closely, only difference I can tell is the side panels. I don't what if any engine or other mechanical upgrades might have been done in two years. Hopefull AC got it right from the start on these models. While the leg panels are probably a good thing for heat on the legs, I wonder how much additional heat is confined to the engine as they certainly must limit engine heat escaping, also crap could build up behind them. Price was just too good on the 05's so I bought two of em. Hope to have some fun this summer.
Thanks for the input.

 

I am sure the 05 will give you many hours of enjoyment. There are plenty of older ones still on the trails. I think the only major mechanical difference from some of the older ones is the addition of the front differential lock. I don't have a differential lock and I go a lot of places. Just be careful of it. I think AC doesn't recommend using it for anything over 10mph. If you are able to go that fast or even 5 mph there is a good chance you don't need it locked in anyway. There have only been a few times that I felt as though I would like to have it and it wasn't anything to do with being stuck as it was articulating and having one front wheel up in the air just spinning (back to 2 wheel drive - lol)

Enjoy and 'Happy trails to you'