The grizzly does not require you come to a stop to switch from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel...you can switch on the move as long as front wheels and rear wheels are going the same speed...they don't want you spinning the rear wheels and then engaging 4 wheel at the same time!

 

I'd personally chose the polaris or can-am over any of the 4 Japanese brands.
I just feel they are built better and have more features- compare the R&D that has gone into the polaris xp or can-am outlander chassis / suspension to any of the japanese and you'll see what I'm talking about- the chasis & suspension on the polaris & can-am's are leagues ahead of any of the japanese brands , IMO.

is can-am out of the question for you? I noticed you didn't mention it-

my choice for 4x4 atv's would look like this.
1. can-am (sporty, nimble, powerful & light- and "sport-like" feeling - plus it has the bulletproof rotax engine- it's the corvette of the 4x4 atv's)
2. polaris (dependable, comfortable, durable long-haul atv- it's the Cadillac of the 4x4 atv's)
3. suzuki (all around good dependable atv- greatest value)
4. honda (I like honda, decent suspension, but they need to make some major upgrades to their flagship 4x4 rincon- the single OHV is a sled compared to the OHC on every other engine)
5. yamaha (hate the squishy unstable suspension and antenna looking handlebars)
6. kawasaki (just because of the dumb diff lock lever and stiff suspension- and no storage)
7. AC (don't know much about them- checked one out at the dealer and I wanted nothing to do with it)

 

I thought my friend said you had to stop first. I'll try to remember that you don't.

 

It's not out of the question. I have heard good things and am a huge Bombardier fan. I have owned and ridden many Sea-Doos and Ski-Doos and love the power and reliability. I havent targeted Can-Am as much only because there are not nearly as many of them around and the ones that I have seen are usually selling at a premium.

Thank you for the ranking of the machine manufactuers. That is helpful. Glad to see Polaris at the top as I think that is the direction I will likely be heading.

 

So last week I saw a 2010 Sportsman 550 XP EPS for sale with 170 miles, winch, and plow. He was asking $6500 which I thought was a little rich. He is down to an asking price of $6k.

Can you guys let me know what you think of this particular bike for my needs/use and what you think of it in general?

Thanks in advance!

 

For your stated usage, around the house, plowing, yard work, and some trail riding, that's a very good pick. Good power in a 500 class machine, plenty of ground clearance, great towing and toting numbers, and a super comfortable ride.

Kelley Blue Book gives that year a retail of $6105 and a trade-in of $4205. With the plow you'd probably add about $600 or so. With that little mileage and a plow that's not a bad price.

 

Good to know, I appreciate the quick feedback. Now if I were buying a Wrangler (I prefer the square headlights of the YJ) I would know to check the rear spring hangers, the driver and passenger floor boards, listen for noisy lifters, etc.... but what are the key things I should be looking for when investigating a used ATV, specifically the Polaris Sportsman? Are there specific items prone to wear or specific issues that can be looked for? If it has a plow should I be looking or checking for something that I wouldnt if there was no plow? Also, is there a way to trick these odometers so he could say it has 170 miles when in fact it has 1700 (aside from the physical appearance of course)?

Thanks again!

 

The thing some people do not know is ATVs come in 3 sizes ,small chassis,Mid size chassis and Full size chassis. Its not about motor size. At 6'5" you want a Full size ATV.

Example , a 420 Rancher and 450 Grizzly are smaller mid size ATVs like my 350 Grizzly.

but a 450 Suzuki King Quad and Polaris 400 Sportsman are the same Full size chassis as a 750 KQ and 800 Sportsman.

 

Agreed! I mentioned that in my OP. The Sportsman 550 XP is a full-size chassis corect?

 

Yep, Sportsman 550 XP is a full-sized quad.

With 170 miles on it, you should only see a little bit of "trail rash". Minor scrapes in the paint or plastics. I'd take a quick look at the frame just to make sure the lines look right. Of course, if you can, test ride it. The 550 is a single cylinder so it will have a little more of a vibration than a V-twin would. Tires will still have the molding nubs on them if it is really just 170 miles. Check the oil to see if it is cloudy. Again, it should look pretty fresh with that little bit of usage. Cloudy oil could mean it got sunk and sucked some water in. That's all I can think of.