My brother is looking for a used Scrambler 500 4x4 and we're wondering if there were any particularly good or bad years. Are all 500's the HO? If not, when did that engine go in? Are there any usual parts that wear or break early on them? Basically tell me anything you can about these machines! Thanks!

 

Also, what is a 2002 in great shape worth?

 

The only yr that was not an HO was 1997.THe rest have the HO motor.THe two best yrs would be 2000-02 they made some good upgrades those yrs like the heim joint tierodends,with the Fox rear shock and all the grease fittings.The 03 has all the good stuff too but lacks some grease fittings.The 04-up lost the Fox shock,HD handlebars w/ pad,rear tow hitch and a few other things.
Any of the ones from 98 up will be good but do look for signs of abuse.

 

I have two, a 1998 and a 2000 model, both being the HO. They are both great bikes. The 2000 had been run pretty hard when I bought it. The rear axle bearings wer shot. clutch worn, brakes bad, radiator fan melted, radiator plugged, and a few wires melted in the wiring harness to the fan. A man had bought it for his kids to do chores on the farm and apparently they never did much maintenance. After a few hundred bucks and changing all the fluids, it runs really great. The 4 stroke motor seems to be build like a tank. I got this one at a good price and did all the work myself and now have a great ride.

 

I have a 1999 scrambler 500 4x4 and have had no problems with it. It is a great all around ATV. Like any other ATV if taken care of and maintained should last a long time before having to replace things. Like I said I bought mine new in 99 and have not had to replace anything major....... 1 belt, set of chain and sprocket... and oil and filter change 2 year....and also a set of new tires…..

 

The scramblers great. I wish I had one.

 

I have a '98 and have no complaints. The biggest improvement on the newer ('01 and up) models is the improved master cylinder and stainless braided brake lines.

When do you guys think Polaris will finally give the Scrambler some attention? Yamaha redesigned the Wolverine and now it's Polaris' turn. The Scramber has stayed basically unchanged since the mid '90s.

 

Thanks for the opinions (and keep them coming)! What is the going rate he might expect to pay for 2000-2002ish years? Other years also welcome. Thanks again!

 

2200 to 3200 for 4x4 1999 to 2002 depending on condition. an 03 and higher you can probably add 500 more per year.

 

A good place to look is the NADA guide, which you can see here: NADA Guiide

They show a 2000 Scrammy 500 for $2130 to $2800, and a 2002 model from $2550 to $3350. Of course this is for my area of Texas. You can input your zip code and get values for your area. Another good place is to search the eBay auctions that have already ended. This will give yo the final selling price and some pics to look at.

Good Luck.