My first quad was the Lakota. Sporty 300cc with chain drive. Got it used on eBay after checking for a couple months for the deal I wanted. Got it $400 under Blue Book with no problems machine-wise. Got the Xplorer for about $600 under Blue Book off eBay. After awhile I needed to get the stator replaced. Still made out well. Got the X2 brand new. Can't complain. It's been good. Got the ATP off of Craig's List. 20 miles, 10 hours, 1 year old/used, immaculate. $2000 under Blue Book. That's what my son rides. It has been great and takes a beating. What I've found is you have to be patient (as has been mentioned) and wait for the deal you want. Also, it's good to know a little bit about the machine. While the Lakota was alot of fun to ride it was not well suited for New England. Rocky climbs, ruts, mud, waterholes, etc. I wouldn't buy a chain drive solid axle quad for the riding we do ever again. Live and learn. When I was looking I scanned eBay within 250 miles of home and also Craig's List. I did this 2 times a day every day to get the deals I wanted. Each time it took at least a month to get a good deal. They're there but require good timing and patience. My .02 worth.

 

if you have some money buy a new one, if you have a lot of money buy a used one.

 

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

if you have some money buy a new one, if you have a lot of money buy a used one.</end quote></div>

LOL. A used one CAN cost a lot more.

Anyone who doesn't have enough money and doesn't want to make payments can put off their purchase until they do have the money. It might take a few years, or longer, but I never had more than one payment on a quad and probably saved $2,000 -$3,000 in interest.

If you can't wait, a home equity loan from a credit union might get you a better interest rate. Right now they're 6% for 7 years. I can borrow 80% of my home's value anytime I want to. Some other loans have even better rates. New motorcyle loans are only 5.25%, used bikes are 6%, boats are 6% and cars are only 4.25% at my C.U. I think ATVs would get the motorcycle rate. If the dealer charges 10% instead of 5.25 it's going to cost you <u>hundreds</u> more in interest.

 

Wow,

This has turned out to be a great informative
thread. Thanks you all!

Yea, I bought an used 87' Honda Fourtrax
for my nephew about 1yrs and 1/2 ago for
$900 as a starter bike. All we have done so far
is changed out the spark plugs. He rides it all
the time on the field and some wooded trail
(about 11 acres). So it would seem that this
deal worked out okay. I just wanted to know
about peoples experiences with our favorite
Polaris brand. Lots and Lots of variables to
consider!

R'

 

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

if you have some money buy a new one, if you have a lot of money buy a used one.</end quote></div>

From my experience,used "everything" cost less than new by a great deal. Its just the way it is.


In fact you need more money on hand to buy used because the previous ones will not do a payment plan like dealership.

 

That's a good point about the payment plan on new ones. 0 down and $99 a month on some at the dealer. $$$$ up front to buy used from "some guy".

 

uh yeah it was kind of a joke. everything I have is used so I am well aware of the logistical differentials, however if you factor in the time you could be riding and the cost of perpetual repair along with....oh well just forget it



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

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



if you have some money buy a new one, if you have a lot of money buy a used one.</end quote></div>



From my experience,used "everything" cost less than new by a great deal. Its just the way it is.





In fact you need more money on hand to buy used because the previous ones will not do a payment plan like dealership.</end quote></div>

 

If you have to repair a ATV with 100 hrs on it you just have really bad luck a choosing machines. If ATVs can not be reliable after 500-1000 miles than who would even want to get into the sport period.

 

I would think too, its not just the miles on it. For the sports
type quads you have to factor those rolling it and jumping since
that brings out those who like to free style and go fast etc.
That Honda X I bought for my nephew had a frame crack,
I found out after I bought it, I was pissed! Had my cuz father-in
law welded it for me.

With the utility quads how much have these things pulled,
towed and hauled on top of deep MUD and SNOW. So these
factor start to add. I think my position on it is what I am looking
for along with condition of the bike, the owner and history
would help too.

R'

 

Buying used is an X factor, <u>an unknown quantity which only becomes known after following a prescribed process</u>, as in solving a problem. Unless you personally know and trust the seller. This is one of those questions with no right or wrong answer. New is right for some of us and used is right for some of us. I'd rather have something with a 6-year warranty than "as-is", no warranty, for my own piece of mind.