I am trying to consider which quad to buy. I have 3 options with advantages/disadvantages. Please give me an honest answer. They are:
1. USED 2000 Polaris Xpedition 425. $3600
ADVANTAGES:
Cost
Already has a winch
Already scuffed a bit so no tears after the first scratch on a new machine
TRUE 4wd so i've been told
Won't depreciate as much as a new machine will
DISADVANTAGES:
Polaris' questionable reliability
Not sure of the 4wd system
Not the big dog machine

#2 New 2001 Honda Rubicon
ADVANTAGES
Auto Trans good for mudding?
Reliability
Ground clearance
Smooth power delivery
DISADVANTAGES
Not Sporty
Price (I can get one for $6300)
Limited slip not as good as other 2 machines 4WD systems i am told
Extra cost of winch and larger tires for mudding

#3 Bombardier Traxter XT
ADVANTAGES
Good 4WD system
Winch and larger tires alrady installed
Cool Yellow color and styling
Storage box
Not going to see a hundred on the trail every time I go out.
Width may help stability on hills
DISADVANTAGES
Width may hurt in woods
Unproven reliability
Shifter seems clunky and loud
Price ($7600 quoted locally, But I have seen $6900 advertised nationally)
Resale value on 99-00 regular traxters not very high
looks sporty, but does weight of the machine hurt?

I am basically looking to ride woods, some mountain/hills and some mud. I am torn because I used to have a 300ex and it was a good machine, but I do need 4WD and don't want to work on the machine constantly or get stranded. I also don't want to pay out the butt to have a machine sit in the garage 29 days of the month. Please give me honest answers especially if you own/know someone who owns/have ridden these machines
THANKS

 

Go with the ruby the 4wd systeme is very good.If you do not mind greasing the seals on the front brakes once in a while the shoes will last a long time.I should have asked how you will be riding these atv and how many miles on ave..per year.

 

The traxter gets the "cool factor" for sure. Are you ruling out everything else?
Here are a couple of more suggestions:

Honda Rancher ES 4x4; less than $4,900, Honda reliability and resale value. The down side is its 350cc size.

Polaris Sportsman 500; I have saw left over 2000 models for less than 6K. It has huge ground clearance, independent suspension, lots of shock travel, able to run 2 or 4wd. Also, we often ride with a guy that has one and it is amazingly fast in the woods. He even gets some good jumps now and again. Downside: It's a polaris, but he hasn't had a lot of problems with it.

 

Shumdit I would find a good condition TRX300 4 x 4 for about $3000. There is one here in the classifieds for 3200 but I'm sure if you brought 2500 cash it would be yours. The depreciation is already out of it and it is real durable. Plus with your extra leftover money you could deck it out as you like. They may not be the fastest smoothest or sportiest but when Dirtwheels gave the "Most reliable 4 wheeler ever made" The TRX300 was the winner. I have a 1996 TRX300 2 x 4 and it has been unbelievable. Not one problem ever with it.

 

You talked about the traxter not being proven yet, its been out for three years. How long has the Rubicon been out? It has new engine and tranny, proven even less than the Traxter.
Also I have a nephew with an Expedition, he told me never again. He has had nothing but trouble with it.
End run maybe you aught to consider other brands or models. Just trying to help!!

 

think you should go with the rubi...it has honda's proven reliablity..and if you want you can go into the esp mode...this "tour de force" is a little pricy but you'll like what you'll get...i've seen left over grizzly's for $5,800...might considered the grizzly...no change for 2001 so..just to tell grizzly is a great machine too....

 

one more thing...polaris is not known for realiability....and it's 4wd system is that if the rear wheel spins 20% faster then the front the front wheel will automatically kick in...and on the honda if you get stuck..only the lightest wheel will spin...these to have it's upside and it's downside in it's own way...and one thing i own a grizzly...so it's a great machine or have you considered looking at a Yamaha Kodiak 4x4 priced at about $6,000... i also own this..and it is the best handling sport/utility out there trust me on this..you'll never regret the kodiak if you choose to buy it....

00 Yamaha Grizzly 4x4
00 Yamaha Kodiak 4x4