I am interested in getting a dependable and durable Utility ATV for hunting. I have focused on Yam and Honda (and Kaw) b/c of their repuation for being so durable. Polaris seems to have better performance characteristics than some of the others but seem to be slightly less dependable (per Polaris and Non-Polaris owners).

My question is this, I am looking for a used 4x4 Utility atv and qould like to broaden my search by including Polaris. However, I would like to focus on a model that has developed a repuation for being similiar in quality and durability (dependability) as the other three. Which model should I focus on? Probably 1995-1999 will fit my budget.

Thank you.

 

I might suggest the Magnum or Xpedition models.

 

If your just going to need a quad for hunting then get a sportsman, although you would be better off on a honda for reliability as apposed to some fun and comfortable ride which is what you'll get with the sportsman.
Matt
2000 500 Scrambler.

 

I dont recommend the Sportsman if you are looking for reliability in a Polaris. They are the highest maintenance ATV Polaris makes. The Expedition or Magnum models are the most dependable 4x4s Polaris makes(the Expedition being the lowest maintenance). The Sportsman has over 30 grease fittings and the IRS requires a lot of maintenance if you want long service life. The Expedition would be the quietest for hunting because it has a 5-speed transmission which means you can keep the engine rpms down, therefore reducing exhaust noise. The pvt(belt drive) system on the other Polaris models is nice if you dont like to shift or have to climb steep hills.

 

My vote for the most reliable Polaris design is anything with the “Shaft Ride” drive train/chassis. And my personal favorite of these is the Magnum 500. Plenty of power, sporty yet comfortable ride and low maintenance requirements. We prefer the Sportsmans for our type of riding but as a reliable all-around performer the Mag is tough to beat.

 

MY Magnum has around 5000TROUBLE FREE miles.Love that thing
SP was bought 01-01-01 so it only has @450miles.I only know of 24 grease fitting(zerks),I'll have to look for the other 6??It takes 20 minutes to grease,no big deal.As far as IRS requireing a lot of maintenance ...????????why

 

I am gonna have to go with the Xpedition line here on the durability but if you don't want to shift then gott take the magnum

 

My original idea for buying an atv in the first place was for grouse hunting. I found out after I bought it, how much fun it is to go atv riding with a small group of people and to explore new territory on my own with mine. I bought the polaris xpedition 425 cc 5-speed. I believe it may
very well be polaris's toughest atv. It does have that reputation. Even some atv magazines that have tested it out have said this. It may not have the best of anything but all the combined features of it make it one of the best choices. I have had a blast riding mine for 2 years now. Its fast but not the fastest, its very good in mud but not the best in the mud. It is a fun quad to ride and I think of it as a small tank. It is polaris's first
5 speed manual shift with an automatic clutch. The
xpedition 325 is there 2nd. manual shift. I am not
afraid to drive right through brush if I have to.
You should by the quad your heart tells you, but it might be one of your choices to look at.

rangerchet

 

All Polaris 4x4 utilities are basicaly the same.A Xpedition is realy a 500 Magnum with a 5 speed and smaller motor,a Magnum 500 is basically a SP with a staight axle.Since a belt tranny is maintance free the Xpedition will be no more hassel free than a Magnum. As for the Irs on the SP which is the only thing that reguires more maintance than the Magnium it is only 10 more min of grease gun work and for the differance in ride comfort I would do it even if it was a extra hour of grease gun work.

 

If you want reliability go with Honda or Yamaha. If you want better suspension the & softer ride then go with Polaris. One thing that is good about Polaris is the ability to go from 4wd to 2wd but then Yamaha can do this also.