Would you buy a 2013 Honda 420 Rancher AT 4x4 with power steering , EFI , IRS heated grips and gun rack, in camo w 230 miles no warranty on it for 6900.00
Or a New 2014 Grizzley 550 EPS 4x4 with power steering, RFI, IRS w 6 month warranty in Red for 7000.00

I like the looks and the size of the Honda and they have a great reputation for durability.I don't like the reverse but I don't think tats a big deal.

I like the Grizzley because of the warranty and the controls ie push button locking dif. Reverse is easier.

I will be using the ATV for Hunting in Colorado.
I would really appreciate you thoughts and advice.

 

I have to make a decision and need some help from those of you that have far more experience than I do. I am a first time buyer and am just trying to get it right.

I would appreciate your help.

 

My reply is biased, as I own a Grizzly, but I would take the Grizzly over the Rancher. I got to try out a Rancher 420 a little over a week ago so I have been on one. My Grizzly is a 700 but most that have the 550 report it is not that much slower or less torquey than a 700.

I didn't care all that much for the Rancher's ES when compared to how easy the Grizzly's CVT is to use. Both are considered reliable machines so I wouldn't let the minimal miles on the Rancher be a deciding point.

EDIT: my mistake... I rode a Rancher 420 ES (electric shift) which is not the same as you have listed. Although, same decision with the Grizzly but again biased. You might consider looking at the new Yamaha Kodiak.

 

I briefly looked at the Kodiak 700. Ii think it is a great value but not sure I need
or want that much power.

 

Yamaha is every bit as quality as Honda these days. The Grizzly is a LOT more quad for the money. Also, if you are financing take the interest rates into account. You may actually save a few $$ over the course of a loan with a lower interest rate on the newer machine.

 

You and I conceivably ride the same type of terrain around the same altitude. However, you will be using for hunting and potentially packing out elk via strapping to the rack or towing an offroad ATV trailer. That extra power will come in hand. I do not hunt, trail ride, but even at 686cc on my motor, I am possibly looking for a bit low end grunt which is easily done via a machined sheave, no engine modding. I can throw around my 700 with no problem. Yes, it may be a bigger machine, but it doesn't ride like one.

As well, I wouldn't buy anything that wasn't EFI. Yes, you can re-jet a carb for altitude but with EFI available, who cares.

 

I decided to pass on the Rancher. I don't think it shifts past 3rd gear and it should have 5. I'm Going to take some more time before I buy. I am learning more each day and and want to make the best decision. I am going to look more closely at the Kodiak because I am hearing it is a really great value.

 

If you want ride comfort go with whichever machine has IRS. Been on the Grizzly 550 and the Rancher 420. Grizzly would get my vote hands down. Much more powerful, more ground clearance, good reliable ride. At 6'3" the Rancher was pretty cramped for me. The Grizzly I tried out was a much better fit. A 2013 Rancher has a limited slip differential in the front. Not as good as a quad like the Grizzly that has a way you can fully lock the front diff.

 

Also, if you ride in the snow or mud a 700 might be a better fit. The extra power comes in handy in the deep stuff.

 

Hard to believe their is a comparison between a 420 Rancher and 550 Grizzly. The 420 Rancher has it's hands full against the mid chassis 450 Grizzly with diff lockers let alone the full size 550 Grizzly.