Hi I am new to ATV connection and riding. I am looking to get into riding up in Maine and New Hampshire. I was told by a few friends to get a Polaris Sportsman 500 efi. I want to ride trails in Maine and also use it for plowing the driveway at home. I use to ride 10 years ago but now have no knowledge of what's good. Oh and last I am looking on Craigslist for a used do not want new.

 

it all comes down to personal preference. Personally i like AC but will be switching over to a can am. Not because iv had issues with the machine but need something bigger and for the few extra$ fox shocks are already on it. My AC has been extremely reliable and if they offered what i wanted in a machine i would stick with them.
I hate polaris i have rode a few of them a short distance and that was enough for me

 

Sportsman 500 efi is an all around good machine with a bulletproof engine. Also has a very comfortable ride with on board storage better than any other quad. I like the 4wd system on the Polaris machines better than the Can-Ams. Just a bit faster to engage. I had a 2006 Sportsman X2 500 efi that I beat the tar out of. No major problems. Only reason I sold it and got the Can-Am Outlander 650 is I wanted more top end. I still miss my Sportsman.

 

I really like my 500 EFI and have had no problems except the ADC went out on it. I never use the ADC so it's not that big of a deal to me. I've had several 500s, most with no problems or very minor ones. This is the worst one of the bunch and it only has the one problem.

 

Thanks for the input. I need something I can hammer the hell out of and the storage is a plus for holding my beer hahaha. I was also looking at the Brutes and the Honda Foreman 500 but it seems like no one has had major problems with the Sportsman. I was told to go with the 500 because anything less for a 200 lbs full grown man is to small. Also was told not to go with anything bigger because they had made it through everything and done plowing fine and that it wasn't worth the extra money for a 700. Idk if that's correct but I'm not trying to set records here.

 

Like Zrock, I'm an AC guy. I've had a bad experience with 1 Polaris Sportsman, but my old 2001 AC500 is way more reliable, over 7,000 miles, no complaints. Can't say if the new ones are as reliable, and If I bought one, I'd probably get a 550. Don't overlook the Kawasakis either. If you come to Maine, look me up, you may need a tow, hehe.

 

I go up to Harmony a good amount. I may need to call you hahaha. I'm seeing a lot of Polaris Sportsman 500 for sale in my area or within a few hours around 3500 to 4500 used with 600 to 1400 miles on them is that good? Also why does it seem like there is an awful lot of them being sold.

 

Forgot to ask where best place to look for used online is. I was looking on Craigslist any other suggestions or is that my best bet

 

I just bought a Brute Force 650 myself, previously had a Yamaha Grizzly 660. Either of those would be a great choice too, about $4000 for one of either in great shape. The 650 V-twin in the Brute force is a pretty peppy engine and I'm about 205 lbs myself. A Suzuki Vinson 500 in either cvt auto or semi auto 5 speed is another good choice with slightly more power than the Polaris Sportsman 500 and cost a little less than the bigger displacement machines. Might be able to find a Sportsman 800 in good shape for around $4000 too which has even more power and is also efi. Used Can-Ams tend to cost a bit more, its hard to find a good used Outlander 650 for under $5000. Used Hondas usually bring a premium price as well and are down a bit on power compared to the rest but they are generally the most reliable machines you can buy.

 

If your buying used get the best 4x4 deal you can find in your area, and do not get to hung up on name brand.

I prefer Japanese myself. I always tinkered with my Polaris , nothing big but always a little thing has to be dealt with.
On my Yamahas I just add gas and go , like the family car.