Looking for everyones advice. I am considering purchasing my first ATV. I have ruled it down to the Polaris Sportman 600. I would like to use it for a little bit of hunting, tinkering around for fun and would really like to use it to move mulch and dirt around my property. I would expect that it would get used a decent ammount but it is not like I will use it every week.

So, would this model be a good fit? Anyone know of a bucket beside the ground hog that is solid? Should I get the 04 at a discounted price or the 05 with the new changes.

Thanks,

WP

 

I have the 600 and love it. It's an '04.5 with around 32 hours on it and so far no problems. I think the new ones look too busy in the nose as if they were trying to hard to be different. The new integrated front cargo carrier is nice and the rear work lights seem useful too but aside from that I would go with the 04 and save some cash, they look better to me anyway. No mechanical upgrades so you are just buying more features with the '05. Yes, the suspension has been improved with a bit more travel in front and even better ride than before, but I still like my '04.5 better, at least it looks better to me. Save the money and go with the leftover. Either way you have made a good choice.

 

Hi
in my opinion i would go for the sportsman 500ho the reason being i use mine for the same thing and the 600 and larger only starts with the battery there is no recoil starter on it like the 500 has so if the battery goes dead in the woods you are stuck with the 500 you can pull he cord and get out thats just my opinion on it and im sure some will dissagree

cabelas sells two types of buckets

 

Yes, I disagree. I keep my machine inside the garage out of the elements and take very good care of my things and don't see a problem with relying on a battery for start up. If someone goes on a ride knowing their battery is weak then they are just asking for trouble. As with your car, you have to be sensible and make sure the terminals are clean and snug and pay attention to a weak battery. While out on the trail it makes sense to go with a friend and carry a tow rope even if you do have recoil back up. I don't worry about the battery in my car or truck because I perform regular maintenance on all my vehicles, including my 600.

 

So, I am finding that the polaris dealers are not responsive. Anyone want to offer what they think about just getting an Arctic Cat?

 

u said it just an arcticcat nothing special. my buddies dad has an 04 650 nothin but belt problems axels braking.. and the clutches already have been adjusted and it still burns belts like mad and he even drives it in low gear alot. the polaris dealer here is great he will help me out with anything... when i brought it in for a maintance check up he did it while i was still there and he didnt even charge me he said it was free the 1st time. i got a new plug new oil and filter cleaned air filter brake check up and stearing check up, he made sure it was idling in the right range and checked all my electrical crap to see it was all checkin out.. FREE while i was still there.

when i bought my atv from him he was really nice about it, he wasnt pushy and didnt stand 2 feet away from me when i discussed it. after that he asked me on what i was deciding and told me about the features and how it would fit my needs and he even told me the down sides of the atv.. great dealership here

 

my first atv was 500ho it was not my first choice as i wanted a explorer but could not get a 2stroke so i got the HO and i do like alot just have more fun on the 400

 

Lame dealers seem to be Polaris's biggest problem...

I haven't ridden every model Arctic Cat out there, but the ones I have ridden were good machines. My 375 has given me no troubles at all. I think either would do well for ya, but I have to give the nod to Polaris for comfort.