I have being looking for a great 4X4 quad and have pretty much decided on getting the Arctic Cat 300 4X4. After doing some checking around I have found a dealer that has a 2000 model. The 2000 model is for $4,200 and the 2001 model is $4,500. Are these good prices to be paying for the 300 machine? Is the 2001 model better than the 2000 model? I was told that the only changes were some graphic changes, the ability to start in any gear, and a larger fuel tank. Are there any other changes? Is the 2001 model worth the extra money?

 

I'm not positive, but I think the 2000 should have start in gear. I think the only changes for the 2001 300 4wd was the gas tank, wheels, graphics, and 2 color options. I could be wrong tho.

 

I would go for the 2001 model, not many changes but some and re-sale value. If you would happen to want to sell or trade in a year from now for a bigger machine then you would get back your extra 300 maybe more. I would think you loose more than $300.00 a year on resale.

 

I would go for the 2000 model. The $300 would be worth it for me, but I wouldn't be worried about resale. I would probably expect to keep it for a while. There aren't really any big changes between the two.

 

Well, thanks for everyones replies. The machines were from two different dealers. When I sat down with the dealer that had the 2000 model he started adding in shipping, setup, and extremely high amount for licensing $80, and taxes. So my total came to a little over $4,700. The dealer with the 2001 just added taxes, and $30 for licensing, So my total for the 2001 was a little over $4800. The difference ended up being only a $100. I am just going to take the 2001. After the dealer tried to stiff me with all these extra charges I figured he was a crook so I wouldn't buy anything from him!!!!
Maybe I am wrong but the 2002 models come out in July. This only gives them 6 months to get ride of the 2001 models. I thought the dealer would be willing to work on the 2000 model.
I think that $4,800 is a good price to pay considering all the other dealers were charging more.

 

The start in gear feature is nice but it could be added to the 2000 for the price of some wire and connectors. I believe it is wired into the tail light circuit. Around here the 2000's were selling for 4100.00 this fall but everyone was sold out by Oct. I bought my 2001 300 4X4 for 4500.00 in late sept. P.S. Get the winch you won't regret it as these bikes are too heavy to hoist around by hand.

 

Is the $4,500 the total price or did they tack on the license and taxes? I was leaning toward the winch but the 2 year extended warranty is also looked very tempting. I haven't had a chance to read to see exactly what was covered. I just don't know what I would use the winch for? I think that it would be one of those toys thats just there for looks.

 

Unless you are as abuseive as me, you would probaly be better with the winch. Cats are realy tough.

 

My main intention is for trail riding, and Hunting in the fall. I was wanting my wife to be more involved in ATVing. I figured that we would join a local ATV Club and go on their trail rides. So, I am mainly buying it for my wife to ride when we would go on these rides. I wouldn't be looking for touble but you never know where the trails go. I just wanted something that can get me back out of a place that I happen to get into. I have never used a winch on a quad and just wasn't sure if I would ever use it. From what I have heard, is that the Arctic Cats are very durable machines. but, it is always my luck to have something go wrong right after the warranty goes out.

 

So far I have used my winch when I got stuck in a swamp,It saved me a two mile hike to get a come along. Also I have used it to winch trees off the trail, hang deer during hunting season and to lift my snow plow. I suppose you wouldn't need a winch if you are always on good trails but then you really don't need 4WD if that is the case. the reason I mentioned it is alot of dealers will sell them for 50.00 when you buy the machine. The 4500.00 did not include tax or license.