I've gathered up a few prices from dealers near me and would like some of you seasoned folks to give an opinion. For an '03 DS650 - $6,000 +tax. For an '03 Baja - $6,950 +tax. And for an '03 Raptor 660 - $5,400 +tax.
I'm inclined to get the raptor since it's cheaper...but it's only $600 less than the ds650....

 

You can find a lot better deals than that. Keep looking. I'm looking at an ad right now for a 03 baja otd for 6699.00 and I live in AZ where bike and quad prices are ALWAYS a lot higher due to year round riding.

 

The DS is worth every penny over what the Rappy costs. I have an '02 Baja that cost me 6771.00 OTD My perspective: If the Rappy is worth 5400.00, the DS is worth at least 7400.00, and the Baja would be like 7800.00. You get what you pay for with these 2 quads. I love'em both.

 

Ride both. If you feel more comfortable on the DS buy it. You will be happy you spent the extra $600 in the long run.

I can't believe you guys can get your dealers to come down off MSRP + fees + tax. In California they won't deal on these things and the Raptor is different for CA (for green sticker) so, you can't go out of state to purchase one. I just got one for my wife and about $7100 OTD was the best I could do. All the dealers in town wanted $7600 OTD (7.75% Sales Tax). The Limited Edition would cost another $200. The local dealers really make theri money on freight and set-up (and not discounting MSRP).

Anyways, don't buy on price, buy based on what you like and you will be happy in the long run.

 

I've got two dealers, in Los Angeles Country, California ready to deal at $6900 OTD, that is including the 8.25% sales tax. look for my posts from just a month ago regarding DS650 Baja pricing. Go print up those posts. The go on ATVTraderOnline.com website & look for ads from out of state dealer for new DS650 Bajas, those are the advertised prices with no taxes or fees. However, the lowest price you find verifies that your dealer paid less than that much money so that is some good bargaining power. In your area, I can't imagine why you would have trouble getting the right price.

On the idea of DS650 vs Raptor: I rode a piped Alba Raptor prior to buying my 2001 'regular' DS650. I still bought my DS650 for $7400 OTD because it was a much nicer ride. In fact, now my Fiancé has decided she wants my 2001 and so now I'm going to buy myself a 2003 DS650 Baja. They really are that good of a machine.

Durability: I launched (mistakenly) off of a dune face and a 15' or so drop. I landed mostly on the front bumper & tires. The only damage to the ATV was where my head hit the headlight & broke it, though it is still usable.

A friend with a Raptor (2001, Blue) had a collision with a dirt bike where the bike clipped a front wheel. This caused his chassis to bend - it even bent the gussets that were re-enforcing it! The bend isn't bad, certainly not bad enough to need replacement (repair maybe, if possible.)

However I just like knowing that even if I screw up, the ATV is strong enough it wont cost me much more than my pride.

 

Thanks for the info guys.. If I had the money I'd be at the dealer buying one right now. I'd try to bargain for the baja, but probably end up gettting the regular ds650. Either will make me happy as ever. Here is a question for yous guys: Since I will be riding some rough terrain, do you think I need pro armor? If so do you think I need all the pieces? I was thinking just the a-arm and swing arm pieces. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

I ahve both a 02 Raptor LE and a 01 DS650....the Raptor is the wifes bike and I like it that way.the thing is way to tippy and its only good for wheelies other them that I think there useless unless you modify with a plus two all the way around.Good luck on your search.In Arizona we have the chance to buy some quads from out of the Phx metro area and then you dont pay fees.02 Raptor was 7200OTD.And one shop is running specials on 02 DS650's 5500OTD.

Good Luck,
Nate in Arizona

 

You get what you pay for !!!
Except me., I get more, I got mine new for 4500$.. LOL it was an old 01 and they HAD to rid them as they had 02's.. LOL

righ place and right time = a verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry happy me!

 

I just bought 2 ds 650 bajas for $6500 each with free nurf bars and skid plates.. ASK in Columbus Ohio has them!!

 

wow zZArAZz that was so nice of you to buy one for me! Send me a PM and I'll give you my address so you can ship it on down [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]