Hello
I am new to this site, alot of useful information. I am also looking to purchase a Polaris sportsman. Looking to pick up 2 ATVs a sportsman 500 for the wife and for myself a 500 or a 800. They would be used for trail riding and mine would be used for plowing/utility and trail riding. Just not sure if the 800 would offer anything more than the 500 other than speed. Hoping to find some who perhaps as experience with both units. Normally I know bigger is normally better and cost is not a factor in the purchase.

 

Im looking at the 500EFI in Blue here in SW PA. The best I have found is $6650+tx. They want $6750 for camo. The 500 touring is $7200 again in Blue. Prices vary $400 dollars for similar machines. One dealer replied that most people who buy a winch feel they wasted their money. I'd appreciate any input on the 500 EFI &500EFI touring from you all. This is my first 4x4 atv. I've been riding a 660 raptor but am moving away from that idea.

 

After thinking it over I felt that the 500 was the best choice. How many times do we really go over 50 mph and for how long? The 500 has the most reliable motor and is bullet proof. The 800 to me just seems to have more things that can go wrong with it down the road meaing more money to keep it going. I have never heard of any issues with the 500.

Thor

 

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

Im looking at the 500EFI in Blue here in SW PA. The best I have found is $6650+tx. They want $6750 for camo. The 500 touring is $7200 again in Blue. Prices vary $400 dollars for similar machines. One dealer replied that most people who buy a winch feel they wasted their money. I'd appreciate any input on the 500 EFI &500EFI touring from you all. This is my first 4x4 atv. I've been riding a 660 raptor but am moving away from that idea.</end quote></div>
I am looking to buy the 500 EFI this week. My bud is lookin at the 800 EFI though. Dealer said that aside from the size of the engine they are pretty much identical. Any thoughts on that?
And did any of you purchase an extended warranty with your 500 EFI?

 

I just bought my 08 Sportsman 500 EFI Stealth on Saturday. I bought the 3 year extended warranty, because my dealer told me even if I ripped a boot they will cover it for me.

 

I came from the older 500 carb. Bought two 500 EFI Touring models. They are great! Plenty of power, better gas milege than the 800, I like having a pull start which the 800 does not offer when out in the boonies. The ride and stability on the longer wheelbase of the Touring and X2 models is noticable. Extended warranty is just insurence, if you don't need it you wasted your money, if you do need it, it was a great investment. Make sure what they cover. I have heard horror stories where everytime they try and use the warranty they get refused because of "rider abuse/neglect"

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: reno82

I came from the older 500 carb. Bought two 500 EFI Touring models. They are great! Plenty of power, better gas milege than the 800, I like having a pull start which the 800 does not offer when out in the boonies. The ride and stability on the longer wheelbase of the Touring and X2 models is noticable. Extended warranty is just insurence, if you don't need it you wasted your money, if you do need it, it was a great investment. Make sure what they cover. I have heard horror stories where everytime they try and use the warranty they get refused because of "rider abuse/neglect"</end quote></div>

Yea its gettin down to crunch time now. My buddy just got his 800 approved. I'm torn between 500 EFI and EFI Touring. When you get old like me you worry about comfort.

 

I just opted for the 500EFI X2, I pick it up on Friday the 21st. I didn't need the 800 with poor fuel MPG according to most 800cc owners.

Good luck with your choice, it's a tough one.....

 

I am also considering buying a 500 EFI. I have been lurkinh here for a while and trying to learn as much as possible. I live in central Ohio, I guess I will not be going to Hinds to buy since a previous reader had so many issues with that dealership. I am actually considering buying in Tennessee since they are selling at cost. I think that it would be worth the 6-hour drive. I am looking at Ritchie's Tennessee Honda, has anyone ever dealt with them? They quoted me at something around $5800 OTD for an 08 500 EFI. That is a substantial saving over the dealers in central Ohio.