I am looking to trade in my 2001 Scrambler on a Sportsman. The dealership has available a 2004 400 with 100 miles and a warranty, and a 2004 500 HO with 1900 miles. They are both the same price ($5000) and they are offering me a fair trade in. I would rather have the 500, but am leary of the high mileage. Is this too many miles on the 500 or am I concerned for nothing? Both SP's are in like new condition. I plan to do mostly moderate paced trail riding, some slow technical riding, lots of mud, and some light work.

 

NADA shows the average retail for a 2004 500 HO at 5200. That is for my zip code, you might want to check yours. NADA As for the mileage, to me, it seems like they must have used it for work as well as play to get that many miles on it. Since I don't have a speedo on any of mine, it's really hard for me to gauge how many miles are on mine. I'm sure someone who's got one will be able to give you a better answer on that.

 

Is the drive setup the same? I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that at least some years of the 400 Sportsman had a straight rear axle, whereas the 500 had an independent axle design. The independent gives you a lot more ground clearance for that mud riding, and a softer ride. If both are at the same dealer, and the same price, he probably doesn't care which you buy, as long as you buy from him. So ask him if he'll give you the names and phone numbers of the previous owners. The old owner has nothing to lose by telling you the truth. I'd rather have a high mileage one that had been maintained and treated right than a low milage one that has not. And you can't tell from looks, a dealer can pretty one up for the showroom.