Hi
i'm currently looking for an affordable ATV. I'm looking for information about the late 1990's polaris line-up and i'm not satisfied with the information i'm finding

so here is the point. My first dillement was Scrambler vs Wolverine. I want 4x4, auto, some kind of power ATV. The scrambler fit the bill but since I'm gonna be riding in the wood where there's no trail (opening my own trail in other words), I think that low-range CVT of semi-auto with short 1st spd is the way to. Since the power isn't enormous, I think that keeping the weight low is the way to go to have fun. I like polaris 4wd on demand system, but I want driveshaft in the front has chain seem to be very unreliable.

FYI, I'm 28. I've ride dirtbike and sled from the age of 9yrs old. This ATV is gonna be shared with my father for wich ease of riding is #1 priority. I like the 400 2 stroke as it's easy to get some guts out of it, but the 500 is not bad too

 

i used to have a 96 wolverine ,it was fun machine ,very light,just not enough motor(350)................you kinda need at least 400cc with an automatic and four wheel drive..........just my opinion

 

I trailbreak with my 500 Scrambler with no problems.But any ov the Polaris will be good for what you want.

 

i myself like the non chain for woods riding as sometimes stickes get up there and the chain sets lower then the sportsman, but you have to be careful of the cv joint boots. as mentioned there all pretty good imo

 

The scambler's don't have low range. the rest do. The other 400's do have the same engine as the scrambler. Scrambler is a little lighter and has 2 hp more because of a different pipe. Chain drive models are alright, just keep the chains tight and you won't have problems.

 

I have a 2000 scrambler 400. Its very fast and very fun to ride, but it seems like every time I get it out something breaks. I think I spend more time working on it than riding it. But i guess it depends alot on who you buy the machine from and how well they took care of it. The guy i bought my scrambler from beat the **** out of it. But i think yamaha builds a better product. I guess if u want reliability u should go with the wolverine but if u want performance you should go with the scrambler. Also my friend has a 1996 xplorer 300. It is nice little bike and is actually pretty fast for a 300. The xplorer 400s are very fast and have the same engine as the scramblers but I heard they have alot of problems. The mechanic at my polaris dealership calls them xploders cuz i guess they blow up alot but idk. I know the newer wolverine 450s are very nice wheelers and if you have the money i would recommend buyin one of those but i guess its up to you.

 

I differ from the last post.Polaris makes a very dependable machine if you do the maintenance.As far as the Yamahas I have had decnt luck with them but when they give you problems they are harder and more expensive to fix.

 

I love my '99 Scrambler 500. After getting all the issues fixed caused by the previous owner then doing a few mods it has been more dependable than my Honda. I've never looked back.

 

[QUOTE=nickmon3;2867763] The xplorer 400s are very fast and have the same engine as the scramblers but I heard they have alot of problems. The mechanic at my polaris dealership calls them xploders cuz i guess they blow up alot but idk. QUOTE]

You bought a machine that was beat to crap and know it, why even comment on how it breaks down if you know it was beat?? You don't own a xplorer, at least it's not listed...why comment on what you heard from a shadetree mechanic?? He obviously doesn't have a clue...the 400 2 stroke is a great motor and is well known to be so!

Not a serious issue with my 1998 400 xplorer. Plows snow every winter, pulls the ice house all winter/every winter, breaks trail while deer hunting/scouting, quick and nimble on the trails. My 400 xplorer has been a reliable WORKHORSE///RELIABLE!! I'd buy another in a heartbeat. I think they're a great combination of work/play. I've broke one chain, easily replaced. Had to adjust my throttle once, besides that, any issue was my fault....or freezing rain! Keep gas and oil in it, change the fluids once a year...maintain and take care of a machine and it'll last.