I would not worry about that post, again I have 3600 plus miles on my 400 AT and no issues. It's all in how you take care of things.

 

and how the last guy took care of it haha

 

Guys i"m in the same boat. Comparing a Polaris sportsman 500 to the Honda Rancher 420 AT. Very similar machines except the Honda has EFI and the Polaris has Carb. Which one is going to give me less problems is what I want. Looking at 2013 and 2012 models on the Honda. 2013 on the Polaris as they are out of 2012 models. Going to buy tomorrow. What route should I go for a transmission that won't end up costing me 1500 to repair in 5 years.

 

If you want trbl free miles better go with the Honda.

 

Similar?

A Polaris 500 H.O and a 420 Rancher are not even in the same Catagory. The Polaris is a Full Size ATV while the 420 is a mid size. The Sportsman has much more Power, 35HP vs 27hp and a "low range" and a true AWD not the 3x4 limited slip like all Honda's have. The Tow Capacity and weight carry capacity of the larger Sportsman is also much higher. The rancher only has 24" tires vs the Sportsmans 25". That Rancher has a straight axle with cable operated rear drum brake, the SP500 is IRS with hydrulic rear disc brake.

Any time you read a shootout between a 500 Sportsman and Honda it goes up against a 500 Foreman or Rubicon and comes on top. Its never compared to a Rancher.

Here is a few of many Reviews of Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile and Watercraft vehicles
4x4 ATVs Comparison Test Report - What's the Best 500 Utility ATV?

Here is a 420 Rancher in a shootout. ATV Comparison - Budget 4x4 ATVs Reviewed.

Titled "Which Budget 4x4 ATV is Best?"

The Rancher is up against a ,Arctic Cat 366
Kawasaki Prairie 360 4x4
Kymco MXU 375 IRS 4x4
Polaris Sportsman 400 H.O.
Suzuki KingQuad 400AS
Yamaha Grizzly 350 Auto 4x4 IRS

No 500 Sportsman in that group.

 

Anyone know where I can get a rear end for a 03 rancher 2wd drive