The used market of ATVs are where reliablability shows it's head.

Best bets are Honda TRX400 or 450S models, Yamaha 400 BigBears and 400/450 Kodiaks.
I am ofcourse only referring to the mid-size class.

Unless extremely taken care of, staying with the midsize theme....stay away from high mileage and high abused models of...
Polaris automatics, Kawasaki Prairies, Suzuki Eigers.
All these machines aren't bad, it's just that they simply have shown to be at the bottom of the totem pole in reliability.

Before anyone goes bashing here. If you own one of these and you have never had any problems and you are tough as nails on it, then all I have to say is that you are either lucky or a very good owner who takes care of his quad.

I have been selling these models both new and used for over 12 years, so I do have experience with all of them and know what to look for on all of them.

Furthermore, All quads regardless of brand or model have weak spots. Some models just have more of them and more serious.....and prone to return time and time again.

Good luck on your hunt and be sure to post back when you grab ahold of one!!

 

[quote]
Originally posted by: KNOWSALOT

Unless extremely taken care of, staying with the midsize theme....stay away from high mileage and high abused models of...
Polaris automatics, Kawasaki Prairies, Suzuki Eigers.

High mileage and highly abused models of any bike are a poor choice.

Scroder: Go to the Kawasaki forum and ask what problems there are with the Prairies. I guarantee you will receive comprehensive and honest answers for the most part. I'd say most of the Prairie owners had other brands in the past and evolved to the Kawasaki Prairies. No bashing, just the way it is. In fact, if you ask the question about why people own Prairies, and also problems with the Prairies, you'll probably get a pretty good review on most brands, which would help in your search for a good, reliable bike.

 

Like as been mentioned in here n a thousand times.......

An owner of a quad in question will have good things to say. Those who don't own one will have bad things to say about that one and good things to say about theirs.

I own NONE in question, but deal with ALL on a daily basis.
Other than the few other dealers in here, you wont get a more straight forward response from anyone on this forum.

It's been that way from day one and until brand partisan members grow up and realize that there are far more than the 15 models owned by those select few members....it will continue to be that way.

 

I recently bought a 2003 Kodiak 450 on E-Bay and took it out for its first trail workout today. I love this quad. I have friends with Ranchers, Tiberwolves and other assorted ATV's and I can safely say the Kodiak kicks all their az. Good luck with your search - I don't think you'd regret buying a Kodiak.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Thanks for all the help-----thanks knowsalot for an honest answer, thats what Im looking for--unbiased----the 450 Kodiak sounds like THE machine---now to find a good 02 or 03 model used----Dave

 

Scroder,

I somewhat agree with knowsalot but not everyone will give you bad information. It's up to you to decide what is BS and what is not. Do lot's of research to include other forums, ATV magazines, and dealers. I just bought my about a month ago but I researched for nearly 6 months before making my decision.

I see you live in Anchorage like me so I would at least listen to what other Alaska riders have to say since this is where you will be riding. It's ultimately your decision and money so do the research. Remember if you are trying to buy used you may not have the luxury or variety of choosing exactly what you want and you still have to really look it over to ensure you not getting a lemon. If you do buy used try and find one with some warranty left on it. It may not be a bad idea to take it in and have the dealers do a maintenance check on it. I decided to buy new because I wanted to ensure the machine was taken care of right from the start. I also wanted to make sure the engine was properly broken in.

When I was looking to buy I narrowed it down to the Yamaha Kodiak 450 and the Suzuki Vinson 500. As you can see I went with the Vinson. The reasons are this: Extremely sporty, looks, and has more power. The Kodiak has advantages over the Vinson too but I'm mainly a trial rider and wanted something with a sporty feel not just a workhorse. Also many magazines put the Vinson on top for the past two years in the 500hp ATV class. On good thing I can tell you about the Kodiak is that the Anchorage Yamaha dealership is top-notch…great customer service. If you get the Kodiak you will not be disappointed but if it were me I think I'd get something with some more ground clearance for hunting but I'm sure you will be fine.

Good luck and we'll see you on the trails.

Outrage

 

I've only had my Grizzly for a month, but I have over 300 miles on it and I can't find anything to complain about except the stock tires. They don't seem to clean sticky mud out very well. I'm interested in trading my 300 Honda Fourtrax in for the Kodiak 450 for my wife. I haven't ridden one yet, but I love the controls on the Griz and they are the same on the 450. I would like to know how the Kodiak corners with the solid axle. The Griz leans a bit in the high speed corners but I can fix that by raising the pre-load on the shocks.

I don't have anything against Honda's, I've owned many. I would warn you against the AT's. I think it's the Rancher and Rubicon but I'm not sure. I got a chance to ride one and it just didn't seem to have any git up and go. It could have just been the one I was riding, but even the magazine tests have said the same thing.

 

There were one or two changes on the 2004 Kodiak 450's. You might want to find a 2004 model.

 

I have heard from people that the Kodiak is good.