Hi, I am looking to purchase a very inexpensive ATV to tow a bush hog attachment at a seasonal property we just bought, and for a little light recreational use on the side. The property is in NW Pennsylvania and not near a major metro area (i.e., not close to places where I can easily pick up the vehicle at a dealership).

These are the options I've identified so far, and none looks too close to ideal:

1. Purchase circa 2004 Jianshe ATV, barely used, within pickup distance, but for which parts are no longer available. ($750)

2. Purchase new MX ATV (Chinese make) from California dealership and pay to have it shipped cross country. ($1200 -- somewhat more than my budget target)

3. Purchase very old name-brand Japanese ATV and have it shipped. (Most of these seem like they will have a total cost of around $2000 at the lowest, and they have a lot of miles and wear.)

I'm primarily looking on ebay Motors and Craigslist, plus newspaper classifieds in the region around the cottage. I haven't looked at the shopper newsletters that you can pick up at places like Wal-Mart yet -- don't know if they're a good place to find old ATVs cheap.

Would appreciate any advice on specific options or possible alternative tactics. I need to have something purchased by the time I go up there in a couple weeks to do initial maintenance work.

Or is this an impossible quest?

Thanks --

Chris

 

Do you need 4wd, or is 2wd going to be fine??? Absolutely forget any of the "off-brand" oriental machines....they will give you nothing but absolute grief and ultimately turn out to be a waste of all your money!

Look for a used Honda Rancher 350, or if 2wd and a 250 engine is enough, then a Honda Recon.

 

While there may be some decent cheaper imports out there, I have yet to see one I'd consider using as a "working qaud".

A good used Honda would probably be best.

 

Keep looking for a local used ATV. A hint for Craigslist: While many do advertise in the "motorcycle" section there are usually more ATV's listed in the "rvs" section.

Jaybee

 

Thanks for the advice. I've definitely narrowed my search now to used 'name-brand' vehicles.

It seems that on Craigslist Polaris ATVs from late '90s to early '2000s are the cheapest, and I can get something with automatic transmission, an engine big enough to tow a mower, 2wd, and no major repairs required, for not too much over $1000.

The recommendations so far are to buy used Hondas. But I can't find any quite in my price range. Any strong opinions about the Polaris models from 8-10 years ago?

Thanks again!

Chris

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: jaybeecon55

Keep looking for a local used ATV. A hint for Craigslist: While many do advertise in the "motorcycle" section there are usually more ATV's listed in the "rvs" section.



Jaybee</end quote></div>

Well hell, thanks for that Info Jaybee, I browse craigslist almost everyday looking for good deals on quads and never new that lol..

 

The most dependable atv I have is an 8 year old Polaris. Been rolled, wrecked and rode like there's no tomorrow and still starts right up and runs fine.

 

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

The most dependable atv I have is an 8 year old Polaris. Been rolled, wrecked and rode like there's no tomorrow and still starts right up and runs fine.</end quote></div>

And people who never owned one talk about what a POS they are.

 

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

Thanks for the advice. I've definitely narrowed my search now to used 'name-brand' vehicles.



It seems that on Craigslist Polaris ATVs from late '90s to early '2000s are the cheapest, and I can get something with automatic transmission, an engine big enough to tow a mower, 2wd, and no major repairs required, for not too much over $1000.



The recommendations so far are to buy used Hondas. But I can't find any quite in my price range. Any strong opinions about the Polaris models from 8-10 years ago?



Thanks again!



Chris</end quote></div>


I have very strong opinions about Polaris ATVs. I'm on my fifth one. That's only because they keep getting stolen, NOT because there's anything wrong with them. If you get a Sportsman make sure it not older than an '01. They made the steering so much easier it feels like power steering compared to the older ones. I believe that applies to the Magnums as well. I loved my '01 Sportsman 500 and would still be riding it if it wasn't stolen. People are right when they say Polaris doesn't make good ATVs. They make <u>GREAT</u> ATVs.

 

i have a 2006 jianshe 400 4x4. i am very happy with it. i picked it up for a grand in very good condition. i love it. every part i repaced fit fine with yamaha parts from a 2000 big bear 400. exept for the pull start. but thats alright i still might just buy the recoil spring from yamaha and stick it in see what happends. some parts i replaced, clutch,reverse lever,gas gage, throttle,starter soilenoid,oil filter,frount break pads, i also have a 3000 pound chamian winch on it. i will probubly replace the air filter with a K&N soon just so i never have to do it again. it is kind of a pain in the ***** to clean this air filter. it isnt too bad but it will be easyer with a K&N. 4X4 works great. iv gone threw some pretty good mud. i beat it. it take it well. once i get some tires on it it will be mint. hope this helps.