HELP! I am about to buy my first ATV in Ontario. Freinds have Polaris Magnum 500's. These and 325 Magnums are all I've really ridden.
My use is mostly to commute to freinds' places up at the family cottage with some occasional trail off roading. I would like to use it to trek around in the winter too. An add-on seat to transport the kids is a must. Comfort, ease of use (starting, shifting, ect.) are the important parts. It's not intended for much utility work.
I don't want something high maintenance that will cost alot to upkeep, and most importantly STURDY.

So.. with all that said, I'd really appreciate any suggestions. Is the Magnum 500 or Sportsman a good choice, or are the non-Polaris alternatives worth considering too? I saw an Artic cat 400(ish) that appeared to be a great price considering apparent shape and little use.

I should add that I'd love to find a very lightly used one to save on taxes, and initial depreciation, but also like some ads I've seen with 2 & 3 year warrantees.

So with all these options, you can see why I need the help.

Thanks in advance.

 

I would go with bombardier traxter 500 it already has a built in seat on the back.

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98 bayou 220

 

What of the other features? Do you know this machine?

 

Sorry but i don't know that much.

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98 bayou 220

 

unless your little sister drives it too, avoid "any" atv with automatic belt drive, that is under 500cc...@ Prairie 360 automatic....under powered, vibrates,noisey.P.O.S..etc...get a 5 sp under 500cc and your going to be ok.... susuki eiger would be a good buy...IMO

 

maybe something like a polaris sportsman 500

 

I'm a happy Arctic Cat owner - my 500i has done very well for me. In a year of ownership, nothing has gone wrong, and it has started right up, even in sub zero temperature. It's a farm tool, so it gets worked. Rides very smooth, a lot better than my old Big Bear which tended to rattle your insides. Crawls over just about any obstruction, has great ground clearance. Can be had with a manual transmission - rare for 500+cc quads. Maintenance? All I have done is change the oil.

Cat makes a 2 rider version of this machine also.

 

Foreman 450 ES

 

stanbec, get out and go to different dealers and try the different brands of atv's, most dealers will let you test drive their machines. I own an A/C, and work at an A/C dealership and have been happy with the machine(400i auto). It's all about what you like, and feel comfortable riding.

 

Good Advice....
I spent an hour with a fantastic multiple brand dealer (Kaw, Suz, Pol, Hon).

Here's the advice he gave me (generalized)... Please all let me know your thoughts.

1. No need in buying anything over 300-400cc for my needs.
2. 4WD option perhaps not neccessary for my needs.
3. Pretty much all of them are now made of similar quality and will last if taken care of.
4. Length of seat for 2nd person not very important as aftermarket 2 up seats cover any extra length they start with.
5. New vs. Old- May as well buy new as they don't depreciate much.