I'm looking for a decent 4wheeler to buy on a budget and found a 01 Polaris 500HO.

How reliable are these with regular maintenance? Anything to be worried about?

The one I found only has 400 miles on it and seems to be in good condition. The only problem is the plastics are faded, but mechanically its in great shape with low miles.

The price is $2000.

Any advice, suggestions, tips?

 

Decent machines and thats a decent price.

 

I bought mine 3 years ago with $1200 on it for $5700 Canadian. I have 3000 miles on it now, My only big problem was a fan but I found a new one on line for $88. My advice is to silicon the pull rope handle in place,water can work its way into the recoil other wise and there are expensive parts in there.

ARE you sure it has 400 miles and not 400 Hour? All 2001 500 came with Goodyear 6ply P Tracker tires stock and I still have my back tires on and the fronts just needed changing last year.

When I bought the ATV and noticed it had good shape stock tires that was my sure tell sign it had not much riding.
I could see a person upgrading tires but those tires in the pic look like a down grade from P trackers and are already wearing down. Also your rims are not stock they would be steel rims with 10" back rims not 12" like they have now.
better ask guessions ,new tires and rims after only 400 miles? Thats only 4 gas fill up ups!

 

Honestly I'm not sure, it's just what they told me. It's at a dealership about 100 miles away.

I'd hate to drive out there and they were wrong..hah

I think I'll pass on this one.

 

In 2001 did the Sportsman still have the PLASTIC steering bushing? If so, have it replaced.

I owned a number of Sportsman models over the years (all 4-stroke models) and other than a few hiccups along the way, they were overall EXCELLENT ATVs!

In fact I owned two Red 2001 500's just like the one you are considering buying and they were good, solid machines.

MT

 

i thought the they had 489 titians tires on those my 02' 500 had goodyear rawhides but it was a limited edition bike. that looks like a good bike for the price imo.

 

I had an '01 and it had Tracker P's like TLC said. I wonder why all the tires and wheels have been replaced?