Hello all I am new to the forum and want to say hello, and that I found this forum to be one of the best for researching and reading people's opinions so when I had a question I needed answered I joined up and wrote this thread.

So I am trying join the 4x4 ATV market(was in 2x4 until a bad crash 2 years ago), and am hoping to buy a nice used ATV between 2008-2013 preferably with EFI and an engine of 500cc or greater. I plan on doing basic yard work, snow plowing, rides to peoples houses and some occasional trial/ off roading with friends and family. I always do my research prior to any big buy, and this is what I gathered so far.

*Newer Sportsmans
Con - very problematic, plastic breaks easily, heavy with poor power, company has gone cheap over the years.
Pro - Good room for storage, and one of the easiest to work on, so they have that going for them- so I have ruled them out.

*Brute Forces
Pro - are straight up beast, everyone talks them up(good thing), but am afraid they do so because they are so powerful and fast ( if I wanted that would get a 2x4 quad). Father-in-law has on, thing sounds sweet, and does get up and move. Was leaning toward this until I found what appears to be a great deal.
Con - ride is not the snootiest, hard to maneuver in tight areas can have over heating issues/failures with belts. I am considering this machine but in my area haven't seen many with EFI on craigslist that are used and I don't know if I need that much power as I plan on doing a little bit of everything but nothing too extreme in any one area.

*Grizzly's -
Pro -I gather this is an extremely well built and reliable machine, power to weight ratio very good, just not as powerful as brute
Cons - on the small side, sits too tall, if machine does break, parts are very expensive plus one of the hardest to work on machines as it is very compact.

*Susuki Quad King -
Pro - very good bang for your buck and even though it is a single cylinder compared to Brutes V-twin HP is compatible( means nothing as its all about torque but I have been unable to find a torque chart, and yes I know you need HP to make torque). People appear to feel it is the best bang for your buck
Con - Haven't heard too many complaints usually just that is not as powerful as brute, or little less clearance than an AC, or ride isn't as nice as a Yama Grizz. So if anyone has more feedback please inform me. The only problem I personally have with them is, in my area I haven't seen one on craigslist, or ATV trader so it is a little hard to buy one used.

Finally the whole reason I came on here.
*Artic Cat 700

There is one in my area (2013 700 EFI, PS) price to move and within 30 minutes of my house. Guy states his brother passed away and was his, has extra set of tires mileage is 1750, hours not listed (is mileage too high, and what is high for hours considering its a 2013). The guy couldn't answer any of my ? over the phone as he didn't have a clue about 4 wheelers, I am hoping to see tomorrow, the problem is this. I can't find any forums, or reviews on this product other than one on youtube that appears to be published by AC itself so of course this thing is the best ATV on the planet. I know it has 41.4 HP but is tuned down as the Mud Pro has same engine but better tune and puts out 44 HP, I know it has a lock diff, sealed belt, and great ground clearance. However I can't find any comparisons to Grizz, Quad King or Brute or peoples overall opinion on the machine which makes me very cautious. Every time I look up AC 700 vs Brute Force 750, or QK, or Grizz I get relatively nothing. So I am hoping for honest feedback, and peoples personal experiences. Please don't just say they are all great machines, because not all machines are created equal, each has their pros and cons. Thank you for reading my long rant, and I look forward to your replies.

 

Not sure which Grizzly you mean by "on the small side".
The 350 and 450 Grizzly are smaller mid chassis but the 550, 660 and 700 are full size chassis and no smaller then any other Big bore out there.