Getting into 4x4's for the first time, though I've driven a few of my friends.

Come from the jeep rockcrawling world, as I have stated in other threads.

Desired type of riding:

-rock crawling
-tight & technical singletrack
-light mud

I'm 6'-3" and ~200lbs

I am in the New England are and my budget is ~$4k

I have narrowed my search to these; which would you pick for me?

stock '05 Cat 500
http://maine.craigslist.org/rvs/862791854.html



'05 Brute 750 w/ tires & winch - LOW miles
http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/861408702.html


'03 Foreman 500 w/ attachments i don't need & winch & tires
http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/855218432.html


'05 Kodiak 450 with winch and low miles
http://providence.craigslist.org/rvs/851570159.html

 

I would add add a Rancher 420 to that list much better trail machine than a Foreman 500 plus it has the option of manual shift!

 

Arctic Cat makes a pretty nice 4x4. A buddy of mine has one with some crazy tires and DG exhaust. Sounds like a frickin v-8...although seems a little under-powered....but that was also at the dunes.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: DODGE57HEMI

I would add add a Rancher 420 to that list much better trail machine than a Foreman 500 plus it has the option of manual shift!</end quote></div>

why do you say the rancher is better than the foreman on trails? that wasn't my impression.

i'd be afraid that 420cc would be underpowered for my size. Manual shift isnt really that desireable to me.

Thanks for the input thogh guys.

 

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

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: DODGE57HEMI



I would add add a Rancher 420 to that list much better trail machine than a Foreman 500 plus it has the option of manual shift!</end quote></div>



why do you say the rancher is better than the foreman on trails? that wasn't my impression.



i'd be afraid that 420cc would be underpowered for my size. Manual shift isnt really that desireable to me.



Thanks for the input thogh guys.</end quote></div>
The Rancher 420 makes 26 HP that is 1hp less than the 500 at 27HP ( lowest output 500 out there!). The 420 is also a EFI engine in a much smaller/lighter chassis that is more sutable for trail riding. I don't ride Honda but have plenty of friends that do and they will tell you the same. If all you want is a work quad the Foreman is great as it bigger machine for thoes tasks but if you want a play quad the Racher is much better for those pourpose's. **NOTE** for 09 they added IRS and all new type of tranny that we all think is a dual clutch tranny (fully automatic with no torque converter) and Power steering.

If you want a older Rancher they do offer it in ES (semi automatic) but most people do not reccomend it!

http://powersports.honda.com/a...009&ModelId=TRX420FPA9

 

I'd have to agree. You really should consider the Rancher. It's fairly cheap but yet has a lot of features. I use it for everything and am quite impressed with it. The manual is quite fun and usually problem free compared to the ES. You'll have trouble finding negative reviews on this quad.

 

cool, i'll have to check them out.

in the meantime, out of the 4 i posted, which one would be best? I gues we can rule out Honda

 

right now it is between the Cat and Brute for me. They are both at the same dealer.

I can't believe the cat 500 is 80lbs heavier than the Brute. That makes no sense!

WHICH ONE SHOULD I GET!? I'm torn. I'm not sure that I will be able to really put each one to the test before buying, so I have to rely on those of you who have ridden these rigs alot. HELP!

 

Personally I wouldn't buy without test riding. Can't really rely heavily on people's opinions. If your buying from a dealer I'm pretty sure theywill let you take them for a spin. Sure even someone selling privately should let you try it.

I'd also suggest trying the Rancher as well before totally ruling it out[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

i own a rancher 420fe and love it, out of those quads your looking at, id snag the kodiak 450 in a heart beat, your getting a great unit there for that price.