I am looking into getting a new 450r but have heard thing such as they are very high maintenance, break down a lot and are not good for trail riding. I have ridden a 350 rancher 4x4 for years and will keep it for tight, muddy, and slow paced trails. I want the 450r for open trails and dirt roads and just for having fun. I want power and I want to go fast! should I get the 450 or would you recommend something else that might be more reliable?

 

Get the 450R.No more maint than any quad IMO.
If you are worried about reliability, get a 400ex. They are bulletproof.
If either is not fast enough, put a mid cam in.
My Dr. buddy has 2- 450R's. One stock and 1 cammed. The cammed one is ever so much faster.
Both is faster and liked better than the Raptor he had before.
Go to quadzone.com classifieds. They have loads of used quads with many aftermarket parts for sale...I cannot believe that used quads go so cheap.
ATVScene.com has a 07 450R with 0 hours on machine. $4500. I bet you could get that one for less than 4k.
Good luck on your decision.

 

yeah, 300ex's and 400ex's are bullet proof. And stick with the sport quads for a good time .
I have heard that about the 450rs being high maintenance, but i know people that get along just fine with them.
If I was you though, i'd go with the 450r...