Snowride, your age is starting to show... Yeah, I remeber those Mustangs and the small Mercury model too that had the same problem with pulling those spark plugs.
I have no idea of how long it will take before I need to rebuild the engine in the KQ but it would make sense that it should out last a two cycle engine by far. Then of course it all depends on how you use the machine too. Still, the only way the two cycle engine gets its lubrication is when the reeds opens to allow air/fuel mixture into the crankcase. You get much higher RPM's out of these engines which traslates, horse power. I wouldn't have a problem with a two stroke engine but I don't need a lot of RPM's. Usually when I'm out riding I'm at the back of the pack, like driving Miss. Daisy...
But I know how to enjoy the view.
Chuck, Suzuki KQ 300, GPS & lunch...

 

derekhonda, I'm sure that any machine you buy, whether its a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke, will last for a very long time if its looked after properly and is in good shape when you buy it. Probably you will have a new one before you have to worry about overhauling the engine.
I just want to let you know that you are worrying needlessly about the "3 wheel drive" of a Prairie 4x4. I have a /97 400 Prairie 4x4 and can plow all the snow we get with no problems at all. I'm amazed at what I can push! The Polaris may be able to push even heavier loads, but I doubt if you get much more snow than we do here some years and if the Prairie couldn't do the job, I'd have a Polaris or a King Quad, but I don't need one.
I'm not trying to talk you out of the Polaris; I'm just saying that probably any utility 4x4 with a 300 cc. engine or larger will be able to handle all the snow you get. I know other guys with older Kodiaks, Big Bears, and a Honda 300 4x4 that don't have any problems either. My friend that has an old Kodiak even has fairly bald tires and he cleans a long driveway with ease.
Buy the Polaris if it is your best deal, but don't worry about pushing even wet snow. They'll all do it. You can always add weight to the racks (or chains) too, although I've never had to.

 

My two stroke engine is STILL using the SAME factory spark plug at 900 miles.The newer injection systems are really nice.Its a tough choice,2 or 4 stroke?But no factory 4 stroke will match the power output of any similer cc 2 -stroke engine.I dont regret my choice of 2-stroke over the 4 stroke at all,
Bill

 

hey guys i live in nova scotia and we just had a major storm (3 feet) of snow .Itook my kawi 2001 kvf 400 4x4 and plowed 3 feet of snow. it took a while but the job got done.this is the best machine i ever owned[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]