Looking at purchasing my first quad. I have found a 2004 AC 500 with 850 km @ $4000.00 with winch/plow/2nd seat. I've been looking at the info on the Cats and
concerned about their braking system as well as overall reliability. The price seems right but I don't want to be putting alot of money into it later on repairing.
Can anyone give me the low down on the 2004/500?

 

you did not state whether it is an auto or a manual. it has a suzuki 495 cc motor. very reliable. i have an '07 500 that although not as old, already has about 1750 miles on it. i have put this bike through hell and have not had too many issues. as for the brakes, i have replaced all of the pads twice. they ride well, pull well, have about 11-12 inches of ground clearance from the factory. they have hi-lo range capabilty. all in all it has been the best bike i have owned

 

i have an 02 500, the only difference is body style and the 04 has diff lock. the 500 is a great bike. Ive never had a problem that wasnt my fault till now, with my rear diff leaking (seals), and my brakes need to be pumped a couple time before they work,but they have cured that problem after 2003 i believe. I currently have 3500 miles on mine and not showing any sign of quiting on mean any time soon. Its been a great bike that i used for alot of hard work and mudding.I now own an 08 700 and havent had a problem yet.

 

if i were you id keep lookiing for a better deal price wise. i picked up my 2006 ac 650 v2 with 50 miles on it and 5 year extended warranty about 6 months ago for $4000.00 off ebay. i noticed the bidding was slow and he happened to be near by to me so with about 2-3 days left for bidding i offered him 4 grand cash if i could pick it up that night, at that point the bidding was only at about $2300. he agreed because he wasnt sure bidding would get that high, so he ended auction early. he must have called me 6 times as i was on the way to pick it up, saying that a bunch of people that had been watching the item had emailed him and offered him more money. i was in and out of there in no time. i love my ac. thats also how i got my yamaha v-max. good luck with your search.

 

Thanks guys - its great being able to get solid advice when purchasing higher
priced toys. I purchased the quad tonight from a very nice gentlleman and am quite satisfied with the looks as well as the condition of the AC. I agree somewhat with you flushot70 however I took your advice and checked on ebay and the selection in ontario was very limited - and besides I had the itch to buy a bike ASAP. The bike turned out to be an automatic. Thanks again for your time taken and your comments.

wetfootwilly