the scrambler is very reliable. ill admit ive only had mine for about 7 months, but its already approaching 1500miles. keep an eye on your front CV boots, if they rip, replace it as quick as possible. the CV joint will lock up, and theyre not a cheap replacement. the only other thing ive worn out was my chain and sprockets. theyre miserable to change, but its not too often...thank god

 

1500 miles,,,and new sprockets/chain already?? Why?

 

well most of my riding is done in rock climbing or mud, where theres alot of resistance...

the front sprocket is what wore down first, the rear still looked ok. the chains rollers were startin to break too.

idk, things always break on me with the way i ride...im still the only person i know of to break a swingarm on a kodiak...

 

be sure to keep that chain in check.,,,,,,,you dont want to risk a cracked gearcase

a chain tensioner may suit you well

 

Got to agree with BBS its a great all-a-round machine I just love mine only thing I would wish for is an 800 Scrambler!

 

that would be suicide.....they fly as it is...

 

what year did they start coming out with the HO? or was there a power difference with older models at all?

I'm thinking about getting a used one, or would you caution against that...?

 

The HO was introduced in 98. If you get used, try and find an 01 or newer.

 

I have an 00' Sportsman and have NEVER taken it to the shop for repairs. I have had to bend the Front Pass side A-Arm back into position and weld it together due to ramming a stump and kissing the winch on the front while driving. I had to pull the handle bars back up, and repair my racks due to a roll over. I've had to grease the fittings after every ride, and change the oil and filter once a year. I have never replaced and moving parts. After that many years with no major repairs I laugh when people try to say that the Polaris is junk and is always in the shop. The only repairs were self inflicted and I never replaced anything. Even hitting the A-arm on a stump at 35 MPH and coming to a dead stop I was able to drive it home to fix it. My friend has had his front shafts each replaced twice, new front caliper, and a few others I can't remember. They are both the same age, and ride the same trails. The difference is he didn't maintain his as regularly as I do and he has paid the price.
That is one of the reasons I chose the 05 scrambler. If you take care of your machine it will take care of you.

 

I have a 1999 scrambler 500 4x4 and have not had any major repairs. I have replace one of the CV boots and a new belt, chain and sprockets. I look at that as just normal wear and tare... I would buy another one in a heartbeat.