i am a newbie (never owned a quad) i am leaning toward the 300 ex this seems like a good choice to me i am not real familliar with what all is out there and 100 miles to the closest dealer so any suggestions would be appreciated. i would mainly be trail riding, i am 5'6" and 'bout 140.
reliability is a big factor for me being so far out

 

The 300 should be a good fit for your size and weight. I am 5' 7", and I am not cramped on the 300. It is a very beginner friendly machine. Dead solid reliable!

Only complaint I have is that the balooney stock tires make the bike a little tippy. I replaced them with Holeshots. You can mod up the engine later when you are more experienced.

 

i agree,
the 300ex is a great starter quad for anyone

 

I own a 03 300 and Im 6 foot 190 pounds and I love mine. I have owned nothing but a Honda. Great machine I would trust it 110% over any other manufacturer out there if you take care of it ,it will treat you good.

 

400ex would last longer for you. and it is a great beginner quads my kids ride ours all the time and there 8 and 10

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I called a dealer and they quoted 3995 for a new '03 model,i think i'll be picking it up next weekend.