Hi, I'm currently looking to buy a newer ATV but wasn't sure what I should be looking for. I've ridden a 95 Polaris 400 xplorer for about 3 years now and as much as I like I'm ready to move up to a newer more powerful machine. Their are a few things I know are a must but beyond that I don't know what I should be looking for.
For me independent front and rear is a must as well as 4-wheel drive. I also know that I'm wanting a fairly more powerful machine that I will be able to enjoy for many miles. I'm within days of 17 and though I'm not crazy on an ATV I would still like to have some very good low end grunt for pulling friends out of the mud and being able to get through the mud myself. I know the Polaris Sportsman 500 is a great machine though I would really like to see what all other options I would have to look at. My budget is 2500 - 3000 and could be pushed a little bit if need be.
I was looking at an 04 Sportsman 700 on craigslist (Link: 2004 Polaris sportsman 700) but didn't know if I could make a deal I could pay for or if it would be what I was looking for. I'm slightly biased to Polaris as I work at a Polaris dealership but I'm open to anything that would be a good machine for me. Any and all info is great! Thanks!

 

For me what does not turn me on is used ATVs with mods, I prefer stock. The 700 has a hot cam, piped and clutch kit. Could be ok but it tells you the guy is a aggressive rider when a 700 stock is not up to par for him.

I don,t think a 400 Explorer and a 500 Sportsman is much of a jump in performance.

Look at a 660 Grizzly they are in good shape for your price range, my friend has one and it has always been reliable and clips pass my 500H.O pretty good.

 

Thanks TLC! I'll have to take a look at the 660 Grizzlies a little more. It'll likely be a month or so before I purchase as I would like to get a machine that I'll be happy with many miles later.

 

Looking at the 660 Grizzles I'm liking what I see. Well known for reliability, decent power, TRUE 4x4, and good ride. Only problem is I haven't seen anything closer than $1000 to what I can pay. I'll keep an eye out for a good deal on one while I keep researching all of my possibilities.

 

Grizzly 660 is a great machine. You might be able to find a Kawasaki Brute Force in that price range or slightly above.

 

I would definitely pass on this one. The plastic has turned PURPLE from too much sun exposure. My local dealer has a faded-out Ranger with a purple camouflage hood but nice shinny decals on the dump body. Looks rediculous. LOL

 

Yeah, I was starting to rethink going for the purple 700 after what I'm hearing. Are Kawaskai Brute forces good ATVs? I've seen them for fairly less than the Yamaha Grizzlies but wasn't sure on their reliability. I'm hoping to run a fair amount of the 100 mile trips the local atv club runs every weekend and don't want to end up being towed back for expensive repairs often. Thanks for all of your thoughts!

 

2004.5 Sportsman 500HO
Here's a nice looking 500. In your price range to!

 

Looks like a good atv though I'd far exceed my budget driving their and back.

 

The older ones with the twin carbs were a bit harder to maintain but they have been fuel injected since 2008 I think so that was a big improvement. I still think a Grizzly is more reliable.
Here's nice looking older Grizzly I found by starting at the Sportsman you posted and going to another craigslist area close to you. Looks like it has a winch too, always a plus. I'm not sure they still have it and how far away Fort Collins is from you(and no price listed) but it would at least be worth giving them a call.
http://www.fortcollinsmotorsports.co...rce=craigslist