I've only been riding on a 4-wheeler once before, but would really like to get one. So I'm looking for recommendations on what to purchase. This is all new to me, so hopefully I have the terminology correct. I'm assuming the "utility" refers to models with the racks, which I want. And I'm assuming the "quad" refers to 4-wheelers.

Being new to the sport and this being my first purchase I'm not sure if I want to purchase a new atv or look for a good used one... so I would really appreciate recommendations for both. I would imagine there are brands which are better than others... so any guidance you can offer would really be appreciated.

I live in north Georgia, so most of my riding will be on trails that are a bit hilly. I'm not looking for something that will run 70mph... just something solid and dependable that I can learn to ride on, but not grow out of too quickly. I'm 5'-11" and weight 175. For a used model I'm looking to spend $1000 - $1500. For a new model I would like to spend no more than $3000.

Thanks for the help... I'm looking forward to riding!

 

I like the medium size 300-400 class machines. They are big enough to do the job, yet not so small that you are on a little toy....and more important not the hulking monsters that the big bore quads have all become!

You should be able to find an older used Honda Rancher 350 4wd in your price range (Honda has sold 70,000 of these!). I have an 00 with high mileage, and it has been a dead solid reliable machine all these years. Fun, relatively light (for a ute), easy to handle, nice little trail quad with a simple manual transmission!

Click on the 06 button, and you can read some specifications, etc.: http://powersports.honda.com/a...2006&ModelId=TRX350FM6

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: mmcneil

I've only been riding on a 4-wheeler once before, but would really like to get one. So I'm looking for recommendations on what to purchase. This is all new to me, so hopefully I have the terminology correct. I'm assuming the "utility" refers to models with the racks, which I want. And I'm assuming the "quad" refers to 4-wheelers.



Being new to the sport and this being my first purchase I'm not sure if I want to purchase a new atv or look for a good used one... so I would really appreciate recommendations for both. I would imagine there are brands which are better than others... so any guidance you can offer would really be appreciated.



I live in north Georgia, so most of my riding will be on trails that are a bit hilly. I'm not looking for something that will run 70mph... just something solid and dependable that I can learn to ride on, but not grow out of too quickly. I'm 5'-11" and weight 175. For a used model I'm looking to spend $1000 - $1500. For a new model I would like to spend no more than $3000.



Thanks for the help... I'm looking forward to riding!</end quote></div>

I'd say a newer Polaris Sportsman 500 but for only 1500 used or 3000 new, will be very hard to find that cheap!

 

How about an Arctic Cat 250 2x4... are these good machines? I've found new 2007 models for about 3K.

 

Will you be happy with a little 250 that can't get out of it's own way?

 

What should be a minimum size for me to consider?

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: mmcneil

What should be a minimum size for me to consider?</end quote></div>


A 400-500 would be a good starting point. Not too much power to get you in trouble but enough you won't out grow it.
If you want utility get 4 wheel drive with low range, this will make it easy to pull small cars/trailers/etc.. and haul stuff. A 2 wheel drive would be useless to try to tow or haul with.

My 1st atv was a 660 Raptor, it was scary fast but worthless for the way I ride.
2nd was a Polaris Scrambler, fast and a great trail machine, no low range made it useless to tow or haul with.
My new ATV is a 500 Polaris Sportsman, I can tow cars with it and haul whatever I can tie down!!!!

 

Check out what a used 2006 Sportsman 450 goes for .......they are full size just like the bigger ones......................I know I just happen to own two of them!!!!.....LOL....LOL.......Caper..........

What else do you expect me to Recommend!!!.....LOL.....