Ok, I may regret asking this but here i go... I need a smaller cc because it is for my 15 year old niece and don't need here driving a 750 (read recipe for disaster). We ride a lot in mud and some tracks but would like her to have the 4X4 so she does not get stuck easy (even a winch). I do NOT want to buy new as her interest may fade and then I will use it to plow my driveway. So OPINIONS count give me your make year and model and sell me on it so I can make an informed decision!!! THANKS ALL

 

A honda rancher couldnt be better. they handle well have plenty of power and last forever. They are also light compared to other 4x4s. Any of the years would be good but the 2006 and newer are the 420 ranchers which have a bit more pep.

 

I would definetely go with the 420 Rancher. Those bikes are incredibly durable, and everyone seems to raving about them. It isn't too much power for her, but it is enough that she can have some fun and still have the power to get through the tough stuff. Slap on some Mud lites and your good to go (and the winch).

 

guess what the number one selling atv in the USA is.
The honda rancher!

 

thanks guys I am going to keep my eyes out for one and the Mud Lites and Winch will be the first upgrades!

 

You could find 350 Ranchers for much better prices and would be more power suited for a 15 year old if you must have 4WD.

 

I can't beleive no one has mentioned a 300 4X4. They are the most bullet proof atv ever built. The engine is a 282cc. Witht he ultra low first gear it has PLENTY of power for plowing the driveway or pulling a trailer. I pulled 1800lbs. of tobacco up a steep hill with mine. In my opinion only, the 420 rancher was a poor reccomendation for one reason only. They are an awwesome machine, BUT You said you did not want to buy new in case she lost intrest. The 420 rancher has only been around a very very short time so any price you find on them will most likely be darn close to the price of a new one. You can find her a 300 4 wheel drive in decent shape for 1700 to 2200 bucks if you look around. My daughter is 13 and has driven her 300 all over the place including a 100 mile trip on Black Mountain in East KY.

 

The 420 has not been around long enough for great deals to be out there yet. You could find a better deal on a 400 or 450 Foreman than a 420.

 

As utes go, the Ranchers (older 350 and newer 420) are certainly smaller in terms of cc's, and smaller in size and weight than the current crop of monster utes, but they really aren't "small" machines at all. I consider them to be medium size, and I sure do wish they were lighter!

To me a Recon is a "small" ute (but it isn't 4wd), and it is probably the lightest of the bunch (?). To me "light" is the old 250R 2-storke sport quad, and small and light is the new Raptor 250.

 

reconranger has is the best put! I would like her to have the recon or the Raptor 250 but as often as my two kids get stuck with the 2X4 I want her to have the 4X4 to keep her from getting stuck and possibly bored faster with this hobby!