Looking to buy my first ATV.

Most of my riding will be forest roads and trails, and will be used for hunting and pleasure riding.

I've made up my mind that I will be buying a 500 in dark green.

My decision comes down to Polaris vs Arctic Cat.

Both quads can be bought locally for $6100-6200 including a Warn Winch.

I really like the 24 month warranty on the AC, over the 6 month Polaris.

So which do you recommend and why?

Thanks,
Steve

 

i would get the arctic cat just because i've had a bad experince with polarises not running. i also go riding with a guy that has a arctic cat 500 and he went a whole day on a tank of gas (120MI). Arctic cat also is very reliable.

 

I am sure Polaris has fixed their reliability problem if you are looking at getting a brand new machine. The Cat will give you more suspension travel, ground clearance, and rack capacity for hauling out the big game. But both will work. I would go to the best dealer who will stand by his work.

That said, I love my Cat and wouldn't trade it for anything. If you wait about 2 months or so the 500 Cat might be out in EFI...

 

Hello. I've driven both of them and like certain about both of them. I love the drive of the polaris but hate the way they sound when switching from forward to reverse. and I really like the styleing of the cat. Sitting on the two of them the Polaris feels like the better built atv. I find the gauges and ignition switch on the cat very cheap looking. And on another note I love the way the gear shift works on the auto (cat). I think that the transmissions will hold up fine on both if maintained. Of coarse this is only my opinion.

 

You need to see a delaer and test ride both machines. Take a very close look at them and go with whichever tickels your fancy more

 

I think both machines are very good. In years past, polaris had many problems, but I believe they have fixed both of them. If you want the most comfortable ride out there, then the polaris is it. If you want to be very adventurous, I would go with the cat since artic cat 400-650 quads have the most wheel travel and ground clearance of anybody. And the cat's IRS rides just as good as the polaris. But, you really can't go wrong with either. Go to both dealers and test ride them. Steer away from salesmen who bash other quads to make theirs look good. You already know from these forums that both of these quads are very good, it is just a matter of your choice and how close the dealer is to you as well as how they treat you and their service. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.