Okay guys, I've got the fever for a new Scrambler. My dealer has one 99 Scrambler 400 left and he's asking $5099 for it. There is a chance he might drop a few hundred on the price since he usually gives me good deals,plus I'll be trading my 97 Scrambler 500 in for it. But I want to know if $5099 is a good deal for a 99 Scrambler 400. Should I buy it or not bother and wait till next month for the 2000 Scrambler 400 to come in?
Your advice is appreciated.

Mitch
97 Scrambler 500
97 Xpress 300

 

Before you buy a 400 you should test drive a 1999 500. The 99 500 is a must faster machine than the 97. The price is pretty good. But the 500 was updated for 1999, and the 400 has not been changed (except for color) since I think 1997. So for 2000 Polaris might release an updated 400. I really do not think they will change much. Expect to pay around 5,500 for the 2000 model. So you can save around $500 buying the 1999. Personally I think you should buy a 1999 500 HO. There are several companies making aftermarket performance parts for the 500 and it is only a matter of time before the a highly modified 400 will be left in the dust by a well modified 500. Also the four stroke is much more dependable, and the red plastic on the 500 is excellent. (Can you tell that I own a 1999 500 HO). I test rode both and I was more impressed with the 4 stroke. Just my opinion. The 400 is an excellent machine as well. I would wait until the 2000 is released if you still want a 400.

 

Before anything read the first message by me. Then see how good polaris machines are!

 

5099 seems a little high for a 99, I gave 4750 for mine a couple of months ago. As for the 500 beating a highly modified 400 HAHAHAHAH that was funny. There are few mods out there for the 500 and the ones that are there don't make a real big difference. The way Polaris made the 500 faster than in years before is by pushing the motor to about all it can go. Also they were both updated in 98 with nothing done in 99 to either. The 400 got concentric drive, a shaft up front, and some upgrades to the brakes. The 500 got the same plus the High Output motor. Really though, they are both great machines, and if you don't plan on any mods then the 500 is a bit faster.

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[This message has been edited by David Bean (edited 07-16-1999).]

[This message has been edited by David Bean (edited 07-17-1999).]

 

Be sure to check the manufactured date(above oil cap) of the Scrambler! I got burned when I bought mine in April 99', as I realized later it was built in Feb. 98'... After comparing mine to a "newer" 99' I saw 5 visible changes during the 99' production year. AWD switch, rear brake resirvor, front struts, front differential, and shifter linkage... The dealer said they weren't aware of these changes. Also, to give it the 500 look, just order red plastic, (dealer cost around $120) then you have a spare set of plastic. IF its made this year, then that price is OK, but I wouldn't pay that for an "older" one!