1996 Sportsman 500 (Should i buy?)
 

Hi guys,

Found a 1996 Sportsman 500 for 500$ (Will talk him down to atleast 400)
This is what he says
"Is in very good shape otherwise and was running pretty well until recently when it seems to have a prolem with the drivebelt and/or possibly the engine is seized"

http://images.craigslist.org/3G13F13...36eb5e1912.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3G33Ic3...44f1521403.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3G13K63...10247611dd.jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/3Md3I73...a9cb2c177a.jpg

Unless the engine is seized the main problems on this model was the soft cams that don't cost too much to replace if worn down(about $350 for the cam and exhaust rocker arm) Also the rear u-joint drive shafts,if the yokes are too worn out to rebuild properly can run over $420 per axle.This is the first year model Sportsman 500 so expect anything on a 17 year old atv,BUT for $400(if you can get it for that) you could even part it out and make money if you wish. But again check that it at least turns over with the recoil and not seized up.It could be a bargain or a money pit. Looks pretty clean though in the pics...

It could end up being a money pit but you could buy it and part it out for more than $500 if it's no good.

even without a motor I could part that atv out and make well over $500. Some one would give you $100 for the seat $100 for the recoil $200 for the CDI $20 for the head lights $200 for the plastics gods knows what for the hillary hubs,stator,clutches and tranny and so on and so on.....

The Machine remained unchanged from 1996 to 2003 thats alot of customers. Even after 2003 80% of the parts where interchangeable.

Id get my money worth for it even at $1000 let alone $500.

It must have low miles even the stock Goodyear P tracker tires are not worn out yet.

Thanks, guys!

Another guy offered him 800, so i'm matching him.

If it's no good, i'll post on this forum and see what you guys think!

$800 is getting a little steep on the price if there is a possibility the engine is seized. However, if you think it can be fixed for $200 or so then it may be worth it. Its easy to spend a lot of money fixing one. I paid $450 for my 1999 600 Grizzly. After doing a complete bottom and top end rebuild on the engine, fixing the brakes, buying a speedometer, and lots of odds and ends, I am into it for about $1350 and my time. Which I think is a good deal for what I have, but im just saying its easy to spend a lot on one if it needs a full rebuild or lots of parts, so beware.

He has another post, it turned out to be a simple cheap bendix drive fix. Good deal. By the looks of it, it looks like its never had much use.
The stock tires tell me it does not even have 1000 miles on it. Because those front P-Tracker tires wear out fast,I know.

$400 was a steal.

My dads 97 Sportsman 500 has 7500 miles on it.

Sounds like an awesome deal in that case!

He could probably flip it for $2500 now. When buying used condition and miles trump the year.

$2100 without doing a thing is not to bad.

I'd even spring for a good deal like this if I could find one and I DON'T even want an atv!!! Quick bucks in my pocket for me when I would turn it :)