Here is the deal. I have 2 friends selling their 4 wheelers and I am trying to decide which one to buy.
Type of riding I will be doing is: 40% mud/30% sand (river bottom)/30% trail/woods riding.

99 Yamha Grizz: Warn 2000 winch, Vampires, Clutch kit, Carb kit and cammo skins, loading ramps. Only has 180 miles on it.

2001 Polaris 500HO: Stock, Warn 2000 winch, Storage chest ( mounted on the rack) 3 year extended warranty, less than 60 miles/10 hours.

My main worries with the Polaris are: seemingly less reliable, heavier weight and local dealer support (dealer not dependable) Did I mention worried about reliability ( or lack of?)
I like the Polaris because: true 4 wheel drive, IRS., better ride

Worries about the Grizz: 3 wheel drive,
I like the Grizz because: Seemingly more reliable, 100lbs lighter, Great dealer support

The Polaris is about $1000-$1200 more than the Grizz.
Which one would you pick, and why would you pick it?

Thanks!

 

In this case I would take the Grizzly for these reason.Both bikes are reliable,the Grizzly is $1000 less and with only 180 miles on it I would call that as good as new.You sound like you do mostly mudding and the Vamps are the best tires for that and are expensive, which the Grizzly already has.

 

I would also choose the Grizz. With my past experiences with Polaris, reliability is a main concern. Without dealer support it's worse.

 

Take the Grizzly. Its almost new and has some good mods. The Sportsman is a good bike, but without local support you may end up regretting it.

Rick

 

If the 3 wheel drive is a problem on the Grizzly order a set of Lockers for it ($169) then you will have true 4WD all the time. Turning will be more difficult, but it is the hot setup if mudding is your thing.

 

Even though I am a Polaris fan, I think if I were in your shoes, I would go with the Grizz. There is nothing like a dealer that will stand behind you. $1000 is nothing to sneeze at, either.