Have opportunity to buy a 1988 Honda 350 for 850 bucks he says it is running good no issues or a 2012 Taotao 250cc for 750 bucks. I don't know what the better deal is and what I will have less problems with? Just need something for getting around on my hunting lease. Any insight is appreciated. I am supposed to let them know tonight if I want to pick up tomorrow

 

Judging by the number of "my Taotao won't go" postings on here, they are not the most reliable of Quads, Hondas, particularly the old ones, are very reliable. I have no experience with Taotaos and little with the 80s Honda 350, as the 300 was, and is, a lot more popular, and I still work on 300s a lot. One thing, the Honda will be worth more money in ten years time if you can keep it going, the Taotao won't.

 

I have a 9 year old Taotao ATA250D that has been great. The engine has never missed a beat. It's a simple and reliable machine that has a lot of miles on it. Engine is a clone of a Honda CG BTW.

 

Honda, if it was me. Take care of it, sell it later for same money.

 

How's the Honda? also, is it a 4x4? if so, definitely the Honda. However, Thoroughly inspect and test ride both machines. Just because it looks good, the Honda may be worn out or abused. Of course the Tao may be too, but a little less likely due to the age. of course, the Honda would be able to take more than the tao tao.

The Tao wouldn't be too bad either, but keep in mind it is a full manual, meaning you need to put the clutch in as you shift, instead of simply shifting with the revs.

 

Couple of neighbor here have 80's Honda and they are very reliable and easy to fix.

 

I'd take a '59 Honda over that chinese crap. When that Chinese junker breaks (and it WILL break, it will likely be at the worst time and you'll be kicking yourself for passing up on the old but trusty Honda. Ask yourself why the price is similar despite the 25yrs difference in age..... Not to mention, Chinese Junkers are gutless in terms of power and have horrible suspensions so It wouldn't even have a advantage if it did run right.

 

I like my Taotao 250 a lot, it has a Honda CG clone engine BTW. While the CG clone engines are bullet proof the rest of the machine is not in the same league as Honda. That being said, Taotao parts are cheap and they're very easy to work on. Honda parts are very expensive.