Hi everyone,
New to these forums, so far it looks really cool. I'm going to buy my first atv real soon. I'm in hawaii and atv costs are high. Here's the deal, I have $6000 on me right now and am deciding between the 350 rancher ES or the rancher 400 AT. I have priced both, and the Rancher 400 AT is $6754.76 OTD, And the Rancher 350 ES is $5342.38 OTD. What should I do? Should I just buy the 350 ES or should I save my money for the 400 AT. Or should I Finance the 400 AT now, the only thing is interest sucks, and I would rather not finance it (why give them the extra money). Thanks

 

I have a new 03 Rancher ES 4x4. I am delighted with it. If I had to make the decision again based upon what I now know, I'd do the same thing. I've not been to the big island but I have been to Maui, Kauai, Molokai, and Oahu. Based upon my riding experiences in the Nevada desert rocks and mountains, I'd say that the Rancher 4x4 ES should be equal to the Hawaiian terrain I've thus far seen... but, that's just my personal opinion.

(edited to correct my typos)

 

We have a 02 Rancher 4x4 ES. 100% satisfied, very low maintenance cost, fun, dependable, and very capable. Rode a new Rancher 400 AT. If I was to buy one today I would take the 04 AT hands down. Ride both, you decide. Nothing wrong with the 350's. We have a Rubicon and the new Rancher AT is like a "mini me" Rubicon. Great transmission.

 

Are you talking 03 or 04 Rancher 350?? The 04 will get the same SUV styling as the Rancher 400AT. (I have not seen any 04 Rancher 350's at any dealers yet, what about the rest of you??) The 03 is the old style which I like. (I have two of them already, both a 4X4 and a 2X4). So, I am thinking I can get an 03 4X4 for a REAL GOOD PRICE, and sell the 2X4. The 2X4 is an excellent bike (I got it for the price of a Recon), and very capable, but I would like a second 4X4.

Anyway, the 350 Rancher is as solid a bike as was ever made!!

 

Considering the higher cost of Hawaii, I'd probably buy a 350. If it's a 4x4, you could buy a Warn select to switch it from 4 to 2 wheel drive. If you have $6000. right now then you could buy a 350 and be debt free. The 350 will take you any where the 400 will. Just make sure you won't regret the purchase later because it could cost you more in the long run. Are there alot of places to ride there?

Don't take those sunsets for granted. I can't see the sunset with all of these hills in the way.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Sunset is great

 

You are privilaged to be able to ride there! I was in Hawaii three times before, all over the islands, but never rode quads!!! Get a banshee man, tear up that black sand beach!! Cool lava roost!!!

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] HAVE FUN FOR ME!!!!! Tom...<><

Lanch the volcano's too!!! "for real" take pics!!

 

I use to ride a while back, but my parents bought that quad. When I rode back then, it would be mostly up around Mauna Kea (The worlds tallest Mountain, when measured from the ocean floor. My ride use to be a used 1989 250r. Sweet ride, but I never took care of it.

 

I think that the 400 will be the same speed or slower than the 350 because the 400 is an automatic. The 350 will be sending all the ponies to the tires and not the power robbing auto. (just my opinion)

 

Yo monkeyslapper,

This forum is for quads not for financial advice. Its your money so buy whatever you want however you want to. Either way you go its hard to beat a honda!