I have decided to buy my first ATV and it will be a Polaris Sportsman. My local dealer will sell me a new 2004 400 for $5250.00. He also has a used 2002 500 HO X for $5100.00. The X has 200 hours and 2100 miles, warn winch with remote, hand guards, front and rear bumpers. He put new brakes on it and changed all fluids. ATV is in good condition. Just minor use scratches. I would like some seasoned ATV riders opinions on which machine to purchase. Thank you.

Andy

 

insist on a new belt, then buy the 500, that 500 will hang with just about anything, including those that have larger displacment. look around first though & check the prices of new. the 500 has been around the block a lot more than most quads, & is as good a quad as money can buy! just make sure to check prices, no one wants to pay to much!

 

$5,100 may be high. For less than $900 more you can get a new 500. The 500 is a great machine.

 

I have both ATV's - and depending on what you intend to do and how you ride you might just save some $$$$

The 2004 SP 400 I bought, the dealer threw in the EBS[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]..so that was not a issue....Handling is just as good as the 500, and you get more functions in the speedo, which is nice to have a tach.. You get all of the same features (except the new speedo) on the 500HO ( you are looking at) / but again if your just riding and climbing, the 400 is a very good machine, but is no way a contender against the 500HO in the raw power category.

The 400 is down on power compaired to the 500 HO / but if speed is not a factor, the 400 is no slouch.
Just remember that the 500 your looking at has depercated, and might not be that big of a bargin.....and the mileage does seem to be pretty high,and having to replace the brakes already tells me someone might have been a hot rod on the machine....

If you must have the power of the 500HO...I would spend the extra $$ and go for the 2004 - the 500HO X is a great looking machine, but don't let a pretty face steer you away from a better bargin for a new one!

 

good choice!! but i think you should go with the 500h.o like the other guy said just have them put on a new belt cause 2002 500h.o will hang with any of its bigger brothers! with the h.o carb the 500 has break-neck torche and plenty of speed!!!

 

Thanks for the informative responses. Dealer said the 2002 500 HO Extreme I am looking at sold new for $7700.00. He said it came from the factory with the front or back winch, bumpers, and a few extra's not found on the stock machines. I will be going back tonight and see if he will at least change the belt and/or knock off a few more dollars. If not I will order a 2004 500HO.

Andy

 

I had a 500 HO and loved it.......I would definately go that route if youcan get him down on price some.......that seems a little bit steep........
good luck!

 

i have 02 freedom 500 ho that i love. i had a 335 sp but it didn't have enough power. the same thing would be for the 400 sp. it's pushing the same weight w/ the same big tires. in hard work, you'll need to be in low range all the time. i payed 7200. for my limited eddition model. i could have bought a reg. one for 6800. buy the 500, you won't regret it.