Hi! I'm trying to purchase my first atv. I'm torn between the two... I will mostly ride in the winter, plow snow for my kids to skate on the lake and ride around some. I need to have 2 seats, so was attracted to the Outlander, but I've found a "new" Vinson 2005 for $5600 which also seems like it would be fine as long as I purchased the seat to bolt on. Safety and comfort on that second seat are a concern for me. The Suzuki dealer said the Outlander's length would make it awkward to plow snow with... TRUE? I sure would appreciate your help. I want to get a durable machine that's got a good track record for being reliable, good for plowing and not prone to breaking down, having cheap parts etc.. Also, do you dicker with the salesman on the price the way you do a car?

 

First, the Outlander Max is designed for 2 people. The Vinson is not. The add on seat that you are talking about will probably say right on it "not for a rider". However, there are tons of people doing just that with no problem. The Suzuki dealer just wants to make a sale when he said the longer length will be a problem.
That said, I believe the Suzuki is of better quality and will have more power. It also gives a sporty ride. Is the Vinson automatic or manual? They offer both.

 

There is a reason the Max is longer as it's designed for a second rider. The 400 is a high output engine and VERY reliable, it will hold it's own against 450-500 class ATV's.

 

I would go with the Suzuki, but that is me. I like the look of the Suzuki, I think that it looks more sporty, I would also get the manual shift.