Arctic Cat
Sep 15, 1999 | 10:05 PM
#1
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Weekend Warrior
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 8
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This is my first post and I need someone to help ease my mind. I am a forester who uses my ATV for business as well as pleasure. I need reliabilty more than performance. I currently own a 93 Kodiak and it has been a great machine but I'm ready for something new. I was leaning toward a Honda Foreman S until I started reading your posts about the Arctic Cat 500. I can't believe I'm considering one. I drove one the other day and really liked it but concerned with reliabity simply because they are "the new kid on the block". Are than any problems I should know about? I know all the owners are very loyal to their brand of machines but how about the bad stuff. Thanks.
Sep 16, 1999 | 12:39 AM
#2
Range Rover
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
I have hauled 850 pounds of me and my family on the racks (515 pounds on the rear rack alone) of my 500, I have pushed and pulled 8000 pound trucks around my yard, and I have even drowned my 500 and it still runs like a champ. I don't know anybody that has gotten a lemon Arctic Cat, but there are bound to be a few lemons some where. I have heard about quite a few lemon 450es, 400ex, and a few different Polaris models, but I have not heard a bad thing about a 450Ss, Arctic Cat 500s, or (this may surprise you) Polaris Magnum 500s.
To tell you the truth I would like you buy an Arctic Cat, it would give me another person get/steal ideas from, but if you find a 450s is better for you than an Arctic Cat 500 then thats you. If you don't get an Arctic Cat because it's the "ew kid on the block" then I will be disapointed, because Arctic Cat isn't realy new if you look at who makes Arctic Cat motors, Suzuki. Suzuki is just as reliable as Honda, they just don't sell like Honda's to prove it.
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Arctic Cat 500, Not your average Kitty, The New King Of the Jungle
To tell you the truth I would like you buy an Arctic Cat, it would give me another person get/steal ideas from, but if you find a 450s is better for you than an Arctic Cat 500 then thats you. If you don't get an Arctic Cat because it's the "ew kid on the block" then I will be disapointed, because Arctic Cat isn't realy new if you look at who makes Arctic Cat motors, Suzuki. Suzuki is just as reliable as Honda, they just don't sell like Honda's to prove it.
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Arctic Cat 500, Not your average Kitty, The New King Of the Jungle
Sep 16, 1999 | 01:42 AM
#3
Trailblazer
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Forester, I bought my 99 Arctic Cat 500 a couple of months ago, and went through the same "decision anxiety" that sounds like you are having. $6,000 (more or less) is a lot to spend on ANY quad, and I really spent a lot of time thinking and talking to folks.
The dealer I bought my AC 500 from has been selling Arctic Cat quads since they came out in 1996 and they are primarily a Honda dealer as well. Several of the salesmen and one of the mechanics there told me that they have had no more problems out of the Arctic Cats than they have had out of the Hondas they sell. They did admit that the first year AC "Bearcat" 454's did have a problem with fouling the plugs, but you can expect some problems with a first year product.
The ONLY negative posts I have seen in this forum were from an individual who was having problems with rust and paint coming off of the welds on his racks. I haven't had that problem, but it might be something to keep in mind.
Comparing the Honda 450 with the Arctic Cat, I just felt that I was getting "more for the money". The semi-independent rear axle really does work and gives a smooth ride. I actually prefer the heel-toe shifter over conventional shifters. Besides, the engine has so much torque, I rarely shift anyway. It will literally pull out in ANY gear and will climb all but the steepest hills without downshifting.
They aren't really that "new", having been out 4 years now and the 300cc AC uses the same engine and mechanicals as the Suzuki King Quad, which has been out about 10 years now. The 500cc engine is in its 3rd year now.
Granted, they are not that popular....yet!
My final decision was really based on dealer support. I couldn't decide between a Grizzly, Polaris Magnum, or the AC500. The AC dealer (also Honda dealer) has been around the longest and has the best service department. Not to mention that they fed me the least amount of bull@#$t when we went to make the deal.
I would recommend my AC500 to anyone, but I know that everyone doesn't want one! To be fair, the things I don't like about my quad are:
Single lever braking...easy to use, but would rather have seperate controls.
Heavy steering...My 99 has the 26" MONSTER titan wheels, so it is to be expected. The 2000 year models don't come stock with the larger tires. I did add air pressure which helped some.
Resale Value....Since they are not as popular as a Honda, they will not claim as high a price on resale...something to think about if you trade often. I don't see myself selling mine anytime soon.
I hope this helps some!
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Rob Ervin 99' AC500
The dealer I bought my AC 500 from has been selling Arctic Cat quads since they came out in 1996 and they are primarily a Honda dealer as well. Several of the salesmen and one of the mechanics there told me that they have had no more problems out of the Arctic Cats than they have had out of the Hondas they sell. They did admit that the first year AC "Bearcat" 454's did have a problem with fouling the plugs, but you can expect some problems with a first year product.
The ONLY negative posts I have seen in this forum were from an individual who was having problems with rust and paint coming off of the welds on his racks. I haven't had that problem, but it might be something to keep in mind.
Comparing the Honda 450 with the Arctic Cat, I just felt that I was getting "more for the money". The semi-independent rear axle really does work and gives a smooth ride. I actually prefer the heel-toe shifter over conventional shifters. Besides, the engine has so much torque, I rarely shift anyway. It will literally pull out in ANY gear and will climb all but the steepest hills without downshifting.
They aren't really that "new", having been out 4 years now and the 300cc AC uses the same engine and mechanicals as the Suzuki King Quad, which has been out about 10 years now. The 500cc engine is in its 3rd year now.
Granted, they are not that popular....yet!
My final decision was really based on dealer support. I couldn't decide between a Grizzly, Polaris Magnum, or the AC500. The AC dealer (also Honda dealer) has been around the longest and has the best service department. Not to mention that they fed me the least amount of bull@#$t when we went to make the deal.
I would recommend my AC500 to anyone, but I know that everyone doesn't want one! To be fair, the things I don't like about my quad are:
Single lever braking...easy to use, but would rather have seperate controls.
Heavy steering...My 99 has the 26" MONSTER titan wheels, so it is to be expected. The 2000 year models don't come stock with the larger tires. I did add air pressure which helped some.
Resale Value....Since they are not as popular as a Honda, they will not claim as high a price on resale...something to think about if you trade often. I don't see myself selling mine anytime soon.
I hope this helps some!
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Rob Ervin 99' AC500
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