Greetings! I just saw this forum and want the advice of those with expertise with ATV 4 x 4s.
I have never owned a 4X4, but feel that it might be the best tool for me. I am retired (age 68) and have a 20-acre tree farm in Wisconsin with lots of low ground and mud. I had been using an old Craftsman mower (without the mower) as a tractor, hauling out logs and a couple of deer in the fall. I don't need speed or a snowplow. I need dependability and enough pulling power to pull a 5 X 8 trailer full of wood. I'd like a winch and a ball hitch.
Question: I see a lot of 20 year old ATVs on Marketplace. Is that because ATVs age well? Since dependability is important to me and I'm not a mechanic, am I better off getting something newer or is the brand more important? What should I be looking for? How big of engine do I need?
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forums.

ATV's age relatively well, but it's mostly dependent on how they were taken care of as they aged. For a 20 year old used model, I'd look at a Honda Rubicon. Taken care of, they will last a long time. Not a huge motor by today's standards, but will definitely do what you're looking for. Getting new vs used you will be on the hook for any problems on a used model. New, while under warranty and hoping is a warranty covered issue, the dealer will be responsible. Getting parts for a used one might be an issue as well, but there should be plenty of used parts on ebay or new parts (if they're in stock) at a number of oem suppliers. Ultimately, it will be your decision, but if you want dependable and don't want to work on it, new may be the better choice.