I'm thinking of buying a UTV. I'm considering the Ranger or Prowler. Can anyone offer the pros and cons of each?

This will be used for some light farm work and hunting.

Thanks.

 

Everybody will tell you that they LOVE what they bought. Some will say that because they are stuck with what they bought, and can't admit they made a mistake. So take accolades with a grain of salt.

A good place for info on Arctic Cat is www.arcticchat.com, for Rangers www.prcforums.com.

I, like you am looking to buy. I am leaning towards the Ranger, because it's a new design for 09; and because of the Ranger forum. It has 7,000 members. If you have a problem with your Ranger, they can help you. And less trips to the dealer is more money in my pocket.

In my opinion AC is struggling, where Polaris is doing well, based on the wildly popular RZR. What this translates to for you and me is parts and service after the sale. I won't buy a machine that I can't get repaired because the factory is closed down for weeks because of slow sales.

One more thing, be prepared to be your own mechanic, neither one is as reliable as your car. After all, they are off road vehicles.

 

Thanks for the website references. They're really good.

I'm leaning toward the Ranger. I can get a super deal on the Arctic Cat but maybe it's best to spend the extra money on the Ranger. A lot of people complain about the AC service.

What's a good site to buy after market stuff, like netting to put on the sides of the Ranger to protect your legs?

 

Rangerware. Join the Ranger club and you will get a discount on purchases from sponsors. You can join for free.

I like Prowlers, but they can't seem to get their act together when it comes to assembly. You buy a 11k machine and tow it 400 miles to ride it, and the $2.50 diff seal leaks. So your ride is ruined and you get to tow it to the dealer on Monday and wait for it to be fixed.

All while paying on it. I won't stand for that.

 

I have a 08 ranger xp 700,my brother in law has a 07 prowler he drove mine the last time we went four wheelin and he said the ranger rode better and steers a lot easier than the prowler also you have room for three up front in the ranger you also can haul 1000 lbs. in the bed and tow 2000 on the hitch power wise in a race we are pretty well neck and neck,chain them together and it's all ranger!

 

I agree with Tpotter.
The ranger XP is neck and neck in power but when it comes to ride quality and towing/hauling the ranger pulls ahead.

 

I just bought a new ranger XP and love it, so far i've had a couple problems but the dealer has taken care of them. the only complaint so far is that all the fluids were low when i got it. again, that's prolly just a dealer thing, but i've been reading it's happening a lot. also, the other thing was the plastic stand off that hold the black grille to the hood are broke, waiting on dealer to get parts in as we speak. on the AC side, i've never had a problem with service or dependabilit, but that's been on sleds, that's all we've own besides one ski doo and havent had a problem. not sure where you are from, but check with your dealer and see if they will let you drive one of each. i know planet powersports in Michigan let's you test drive.

 

We love our 08 ranger XP. No problems so far with 1000 mile.

 

I have an 07 ranger the only thing is whatever you buy always have an extra belt for it . Mine broke on the first day of a weeks vaction in mexico and we couldnt anything but look at it. The warranty doesnt cover belts either, but they go on easy.

 

Ranger is more Utility oriented,the Prowler like the Rhino is pleasure ringing with some Utility usefulness also. I seen a Plowler doing so nice jumps that would just look all wrong being with a bench seat Ranger.