Greetings. I was hoping as a newbie somebody could give me some info. I am looking to buy my first ATV. I am looking at a '96 Polaris Sportsman 400 on Ebay. Pretty old machine, but my first purchase I am not going extravagant. Anyway, I emailed the seller for info and asked about the condition of the motor and drivetrain. Within his response was "It appears that only one front wheel spins in 4WD". Did this year have a differential which would cause this, so is it normal? ..or is there most likely something else going on with the front drive train here? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

y buy someone elses problems, i would buy new, or buy used from a dealer. ebay is pretty sketchy you dont get ne warrenty. just my my past exp its better 2 see a product before you buy it. i mean i wouldnt buy somethign with out seeing it first. just speaking from personal exp. good luck tho

 

I agree with SuperBalls...

 

Scottso, Is it close enough that you can see it before you buy it? If not I woud not recomend buying that old of a machine sight unseen. It could be a great buy, but you don't want your first atv to leave a bad taste in your mouth. Some of us can really punish these things and one that old could be on it's last legs. I don't mind the used thing or the e-Bay thing, just the old used e-bay thing bugs me.

 

Look, I've owned my share of used cars - you probably have too (unless you have money falling out of your pockets). We were buying someone else's headache then too, weren't we?? I bought a used 6 year old jet ski - put over 20hours on it so far - no problem, runs great. I would love to buy everything new - but I can't afford to do that and enjoy more than one toy. Is it possible that I will get problems with an eight year old machine? YES, and I understand that - I just thought that someone might have experience or knowledge of the Polaris drivetrain. ...and would be willing to offer some help. That's the way it works in other forums I have been in. Sorry for asking.

 

I apologize to fishslab, I did not see your post before I did my last one. I got very wound up at hearing "just buy new".

 

I don't beleive anything is wrong with buying old...one thing though..if you are buying blind and can't actually go see it for yourself then I don't recomend it...I meen it might seem like a good buy but when you get it you might have to fork up unessasary money on the machine which you could have put towards a new one..I meen you don't have to buy brand new but a 96 is pretty old...maybe look at around 2000 models...there are some good deals out there for newer and better quads.

 

i just said its not good to buy with out seeing it first. like above look for some 2000 maybe. just 96 is almost 10yrs old and if u cant see it its not really good idea.

 

ok with the one wheel spinning in from its probablly a froze up hub, or it might just need some fluid in it if im not mistaken.

 

Don't get me wrong - the '96 SP400 is a great quad (I own one[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]), BUT there are several things that need to be looked at on one with the age you are describing. - Otherwise you could have an investment that will end up being a money pit to correct the problems (leaving the bad taste mentioned by fishslab)

Here is a few things to check/ask (someone else may be able to add more?):
#1 - is there any signs of water/antifreeze in the oil of the balance shaft sump on the engine (a lot of 400 owners don't even know there is a oil sump on their 2 stroke engine, much less there is supposed to be oil in it - a big problem here is the waterpump seals leak in the sump causing eventual balance shaft failure unless corrected)
#2 - do all the grease fittings look as if they have been greased.
#3 - are all 3 chains and 6 sprockets look to be in good condition.
#4 - does the radiator fan work
#5 - are the A arms and swing arm bushings tight or loose
#6 - is there oil/grease residue around the front inner hubs and CV joint (hub seals leaking or CV boot torn)
#7 - when the airbox is opened up, is there stains/dirt residue at the throat to the carb (common problem on these year models - airbox starts cracking at the throat and lets nasties bypass the air filter, eating the engine)