Hello everyone,

I've been checking out this site for a few days now and thought I'd register to get your opinions on which 4 wheeler to get for my first one. First, here's some info to take into consideration:
My quick background: 25 years old, 6' tall, 220 lbs., some riding experience, budget around $5000
How it will be used: Mostly recreational riding in woods/trails, probably use it for snow plowing too
What it MUST have: At least a 350 engine,4x4, automatic tranny (not lazy, just like them better [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] ), reverse, and full floor boards
What I'd like to have: Push button 4WD, Power outlet, hitch (just in case)

Ok, now after doing a LOT of reading in these forums, Dirt Wheels magazine, and the manufacturers' websites, here' the list, with pros and cons listed (for my desires) and the price listed on that manufacturer's site. Let me know what you all think, and which ones I should or should not go for and why. Anything I put a "?" after means I couldn't find if it does or doesn't have that particular item. If you know for sure one way or another, please fill me in. Please offer any thoughts, suggestions, experiences, or relevant personal stories about any of the models listed below. Remember, I'm new to this, but I'm not a total moron either. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

In no particular order:

Arctic Cat 400 Automatic ACT--$5199
<u>Pros</u>
Price
Suspension
Push Button 4WD
Hitch
Ground Clearance

<u>Cons</u>
Noisy
Splash protection

Honda FourTrax Rancher AT--$5999
<u>Pros</u>
Reliability
Push Button 4WD

<u>Cons</u>
Price
No hitch?
No power outlet?

Suzuki Eiger 400 Automatic 4x4--$5299
<u>Pros</u>
Price
Power outlet
Hitch

<u>Cons</u>
No push button 4wd

Yamaha Kodiak 400 Automatic 4x4--$5499
<u>Pros</u>
Push Button 4WD
Hitch
Power Outlet

<u>Cons</u>
???

Yamaha Bruin 350 Automatic 4x4--$4999
<u>Pros</u>
Price

<u>Cons</u>
No power outlet?
No hitch?


Thanks in advance for your time and help everyone! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

i would recomend the honda all the way.........but it seems that the 400 kodiak is right for you. also they are a veary good quad

 

As I recall, the AT has a power outlet. If it doesn't come with a hitch, one could be easily ordered. A quick trip to the dealer should answer your questions real fast.

 

It's not so much the features that I want/need to know of, but more about everyone's thoughts/experiences of these models and how they compare with eachother. I am planning to go visit some dealers in the next week or so though.

 

See http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/356151.cfm in the Honda forum for some comments on the AT.

 

I noticed you listed no "cons" for the Yamahas. How about "NO LOW RANGE!" You might need it for plowing snow.

 

I've had my Arctic Cat 400i for about 1&1/2 years and put about 2000 miles on it and it has been exceptional.I do all the types of riding you mentioned and more.I also plow with it and it has no problem in that area also.If you are looking at the 2004 models the 400 has larger front flares for better water shielding.As far as water coming up through the floor boards a piece of plastic added there should solve that problem.Personally I just lift up my feet when hitting water.Have you gone out and test riden all of these models?If not I would strongly recomend it.Good luck.

 

If you do go with Honda check with Abernathys in Union City Tennessee. Dont no how far you are from there but their price was $1,500 under the best price I've got here in Georgia.

 

if i were you i woud test them

 

Don't forget about the Prairie 360. It may be a little heavy for the cc's but it has locking diff. The retail price is $5499. but you might be able to get a 2003 for around $5000.

The Eiger doesn't have a button but it does have a 4x4 lever and the price is about right.