I also looked at a 700XX, my local dealer has 08 models at 4400 and a dealer about 3 hrs away has them at 4089. Every review I've read seems to say the same thing: not great, not bad but has some odd characteristics whereas the Raptor seems to always get the same review which is very good. In my area you can get very good used 08 Raptors for about $4000-$4500. That would be my choice.

 

I would take a not bad "Brand New" 700xx for $4000 before a "used" 700 Raptor for the same price, since the MSRP of the 700xx is suppose to be more in the first place.

 

im curious to know if the raptor would be as reliable of a machine as the 700xx or any other honda motor out there.

 

Both the Raptor 700 and the Grizzly 700 use just about the same engine just with different cam profiles. Both of these quads are the best selling quads in there respectful classes. I think it is safe to say that the Yamaha 700 is as reliable as any Honda out there!