im looking at a 2005 polaris phoenix 200 4x2 and its $995 is that a good deal?
can i beat on it?
is it a good machine?

 

That is a loaded question.
what condition is it in and how many hours or miles have been logged on it?
Also what do you plan to do with it and will it suit your needs. If it looks pretty clean and runs well and you want it to ride across fields then yes. If you want to do some serious trail riding then you may want to take a pass.

Go to ATV trader.com and enter the amount you have to spend and compare this vehicle to what is available. This is probably the best way to answer your question.
Here is a Rancher bullet proof good all around machine for under 1400.

2003 Honda Fourtrax Rancher Trx350tm, Marietta OH - 98622064 - ATVtraderonline.com

 

good shape.
low hours he said.
i ride on dirt roads and pavement and trails

 

i changed your post title so people would know what they were looking at for better responses.

 

My wife had an 05 Phoenix for a year. I would stay away from it. Not a true Polaris as it is built for them completely in Taiwan. Ours developed a bad engine knock with low hours. I sold it and got her a used Kawasaki Bayou 220 which has been great. I would personally stear clear of a Phoenix. A Trail Blazer or Trailboss is a much better choice if you want a Polaris. Any used Japanese brand can be a good buy if it has been maintained.