I had previously asked about advice on a 500 or 700 Sportsman 2007 model. After doing some more looking I find I can get an 08 painted 500 Sportsman for about $300 more than a 07 500DLX. I would probably only consider a 800 just beacuse I love the Sunset Red color option. The only thing I would be short of is the winch, which I really don't think I will need on the farm and I can always add later. Dealers say the painted models are much more scratch resistant and will look much better after a few years of use. Just curious what everyone on here has to say about the painted durability.

 

I have an07 800 X2 deluxe in the Sunset Red and absolutely think it is the best color made. I am glad however that everyone does not agree with me in that respect. I would not like it if everyone had one that color. If you buy a deluxe one, you can get the winch on it. I am not sure if they make an 08 in sunset red with the winch standard. Maybe you can find an 07 deluxe in Sunset Red. I think there might be a slight HP difference though. They up'd the HP on the 08s a tad. I have a picture of mine you can click on the camera under my avatar.

 

Keep in mind there is more to the deluxe package than just a winch i believe only the deluxe comes with the ADC and the deluxe comes with the nicer rims and better tires i havent seen a painted very close so idk if they come with ADC or not but on the regular sportsman vs the deluxe they dont come with these options

 

I have an 08 800 in the Sunset red. I love it and get lots of compliments on how sharp it looks. I have done some pretty heavy bush riding and haven't found a scratch the painted surfaces yet. It seems to be very durable up to this point. The 08 800 is actually considered and H.O. and does come standard with the ADC feature (which works great by the way). It came with aluminum rims which I think are different for 08. Not sure what else the 07 deluxe includes but consider a 2500lb Warn Winch about $500 worth.

 

i have a stealth 08 800 and i love it. the painted surface doesnt seem to be any better or worse, i have chipped it in one spot but that was my fault by trying to remove the factory warning stickers.

i would go with an 08 and then by a warn winch. the 07 deluxe models have the "new polaris" winch which i have been reading/hearing isnt built that well.
i personally dont like anything red ( i love the stealth model) but the sunset red is attractive.

the 800 is nice you can boast that you have and 800 but the 500 is tried and true, my friend is still riding around on his 2000 ugly green 500 carb and goes anywhere i go, sometimes places i wont go [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

good luck on your decision.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: 05twin700

i have a stealth 08 800 and i love it. the painted surface doesnt seem to be any better or worse, i have chipped it in one spot but that was my fault by trying to remove the factory warning stickers.


I have two spots on mine that I messed up taking the factory labels off too! They could have saved a lot of paint with all those stickers. What do you think people would say if they put warning labels like that on the outside of autos?

 

i think the painted models dont scratch as easy and are easier to wax and take out the fine scratches. i love my blue painted color.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: 05twin700

i have a stealth 08 800 and i love it. the painted surface doesnt seem to be any better or worse, i have chipped it in one spot but that was my fault by trying to remove the factory warning stickers.



does the stealth have the paint or is it like the previous stealth models with the satin finish. i to think the stealth is sweet, i am looking to trade in my 06 700 soon for a 800 stealth touring.

 

From what i can tell the Stealth is a satin black paint finish now. I have a friend who works at my local polaris shop and he and his boss were told that the Stealth is still plastic but they didnt believe this.

after removing my warning stickers and accidentally chipping one spot to "bare metal" (or whatever it is) i believe it is paint.

I agree, the stealth models are awsome, i just love the black finish with the new alum wheels with gray in them. i also like the blue ones too. my 05 700 was blue. however, if you are having fun, it doesnt matter what color it is when its covered in mud [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

i guess i will call the dealership and see if they have "touchup" paint for my one spot.

if anyone knows how were are suppose to be able to fix minor chips and scratches (according to the polaris site the painted finishes are suppose to be easier to fix) please let me know.