Ok...I have a friend that is a Polaris Dealer and he can give me a good deal on a new Trailboss 325. I have read a great deal on the Polaris Brand and I feel he would take good care of the service.
I also found two used 4x2's:

2000 Honda 300EX for $3300

2001 Yamaha Blaster for $2750.

I think all these would be pretty good started rides for the entire family, 10 Y/O son and my wife. Sure would like to hear your opinions. These would be mainly for trail riding, just FYI.

Thanks!

 

The 300EX and Blaster are manual clutch and transmission quads, whereas all Polaris quads are automatic tranny quads. For your needs, the Polaris may be the better choice. However, most experienced riders do prefer the manual clutch/tranny setup because it allows for greater control of the engine speed and performance.

 

Might mention that the blaster at least the older ones do not have reverse. In my opinion that rules out any bike with no reverse. Then again I'm utility orientated. But I have ridden the blaster and it is a bunch of fun to ride. But in my opinion the blaster is not a good beginners bike.

 

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe all Blasters are missing reverse. I shopped around for a new Blaster and I got several quotes from new 2001 models (this was in ealier March) for $2,700, plus $200 in free stuff. 01 and 02 used Blasters are going for $2,000 around here.

 

Buy new and avoid alot of headaches. I love the Polaris machines that I have owned and HIGHLY recomend them. Spring a little xtra $$ and buy a 4X4 (You will be happier and better resale). Do not buy a machine without reverse!

 

Don't buy other peoples problems! Never buy used toys! I've learned from this mistake ended up being quite expensive. Could have bought a new machine after repairs.

 

Well I am effinately anti Polaris, they are great fro farming and minor trail riding but thats about it. You may find yourself dissatisfied in its performance vary quickly. In the sport crowd and ATV world Polaris ATV's are known world wide for there problems and non sporty abilities. Personally you couldn't give me a Polaris. Every person I have ever known to own a Polaris that rode for sport purpose, ended up either selling it right away, or buying something else. The 300ex used or not is probably your best deal. You can not break those things they are bullet proof. I remember a while back several years ago there was an article on a guy that ran a 300ex without oil in the engine for several hours before it seized to demonstrate its ability. Those things are just that tough. The Blaster I owned one a while back, not one of them have reverse, and they are fun to ride. I had a only a few maintenance problems with mine. If I were you I would avoid the Polaris unless you dont mind turning around and selling it right away. The 300ex is probably your best bet.

 

I started off with a lakota sport for me and the wife. I bought my 10 year old son his own atv. All the atv's that you have mentioned are to big for a 10 year old. I quickly realized that my wife very seldom would ride and I was tired of always trailing the pack. I traded in for the 02' raptor. I personally would never buy a used quad because quads are made to be beaten and you don't know if they have been maintained properly. I would never buy a two stroke either ( alot of maintenance) JMO! Buy the 400ex, z400 or raptor and you will not be disappointed. If you are looking for a utility quad, my personal favorite is the suzuki vinson

 

Eh, maybe God likes me better than some people, but I bought my Polaris Scambler 500 used last year. No problems to this day -- GREAT bike (I've ridden tons of models from assorted manufacturers). You save almost $1200 by going one year used. (You save on interest, and the Polaris "freight and setup" fees). That's a heck of a lot of money that I can spend on repairs (and MODS) before the savings catch up to me!

 

Of the three, I would suggest buying the 300EX. I too believe that 4 strokes are just about "Bullet proof". To fatally hurt it, you would have to really go out of your way. As for buying used, their is absolutely "nothing" wrong with buying used "provided you have the mechanical skills to evaluate the prospects". Of the 10 plus ATV's/ATC's I've owned or own, I have only bought (1) brand new, the rest were used. To date I have "never" had any major problems or even moderate ones with any of them (knock on wood).

Rude Dog