Hi ya'll, I posted this question earlier in error when introducting myself in the "newb" forum and was told that this may be a more appropriate place Here it is:

Hello. I'm new to the forum and have been without an ATV for a few years. I prviously had a Poloaris 400L 2x4 and an older 250-300cc Polaris 2x4 (can't quite recall). I've also had plenty of experience with my uncle's Foreman 400 and Rubicon 500 while working on the farm in my younger days. I'm now looking to get another one. My goal is to find something relatively low-budget and reliable to use around the farm, plow some snow, etc. My wife and I are in the process of buying a small farmstead (6 acres) and I was initially planning on using a skidsteer for snow removal, but was reminded that I will frequently need to run between my in-laws homes to help with some of our larger NoDak snowfalls, so a quad would likely be easier since I can throw it in the back of the truck or on a utility trailer instead of having to load up a Bobcat on a dovetail for the 40-85 mile one way trip.

Right now I'm looking at:

-1997 Sportsman 500 ($1700)
-2000 Xpedition 425 (w/manual plow, $1500)
-1995 Foreman 400 (w/winch, $1800).

I would appreciate any advice on these machines... They are private sales, so I still need to go check them out. Also, if I'm posting this in the wrong area, let me know! Thank you in advance.

 

The Foreman 400 isn't even in the same class powerwise but can still plow snow. The Sportsman 500 would be my choice of the 3, but I'm prejudiced. I'd also look for a 2001 or newer. The H.O.s have 15-20% more power, plus the newer models have better suspension and are easier to steer.

 

what is your max budget? i agree with frank to look for a newer model. of those 3, tho, i would go with the foreman.

 

Thanks for the responses. I'm looking to be less than $2500, said done with plow, winch, etc. The cheaper the better, but I'd like a quality machine that is reliable and fun as well. The 2000 Xpedition sold, and I messed up and meant 1997 Explorer, not Sportsman. Another option I found is a 2001 Rubicon for $1900 with 7k on the clock, which makes me a bit nervous. Needs rubber. And I also found a 2002 Polaris 700 4x4 with 1800 miles for $2500. No winch or plow yet on either. Thoughts on any of the remaining options?

 

x2

agree with what jf says above-