I just got my hands on a 1994 400L with 640miles on it. It's spent its life doing utility duty on a 5 acre homesite. I got it for almost nothing and all it needed was a battery and a carb cleanout since it had sit in a barn for 10 years.
1994 Polaris 400 4x4
Those pics were as I found it. It cleaned up real nice - shines even. Runs fine - everything appears to work...
I can confirm the 640 miles because the chains and sprockets are a bit rusty but show very little wear. The bumper is bent but frame is straight and the A-Arm has been replaced.

So I'm concerned with if I should sell it now while its running or ride it a while and risk having to part it out.
I've actually owned the 2wd version of this same atv back about 10 years ago - it was a 1994 even...and it had me walking out a lot... so I sold it. It kept eating belts and I didn't have the know-how to diagnose and fix it at the time so I just kept putting belts on it till the reeds went out and I gave up. Also, it's a 2 stroke...and as I remeber the oil injection system didn't inspire confidence in it's prospects for longevity.

So what's the skinny on this design? Any of you guys got one of these with some age on it? What fails and what doesn't? Also, what would you expect to pay for one in perfect working order and better than average cosmetic condition?

I appreciate any info - I've not had any luck finding the .pdf service manual.

 

Keep it and ride it awhile.They are decent machines.If you sell it dont expect much over $1200.

 

with the age ,i'd be more concerned with the chain issues.
Since the front bumper is off ,it should be fairly easy to get it pretty close to straight

 

If you decide to keep it I have a complete front bumper.

 

I would say keep it because you probably aren't going to be offered very much for it even though its still good and I don't know about around there but here its hard to find a atv for under $4000