My Prairie 360's have been great, especially on the trails, and absolutely bullet-proof. But they are slow on the flats. Even the little 250 Bayou is faster. Looking for something with a little more power. The Grizzly 450 or 700 are on the list, as is the King Quad 750, and the Brute Force 750 has been called king of the hill.

I have a budget of $3,000-$4500, and don't want a lot of headaches. I just missed a 2016 BF750 with only 68 hours for $4500, which kills me. I have seen lots and lots of machines 2005-2010 within budget, but the age concerns me

I'm not worried about super-high speed/performance, I just want a machine that is capable and reliable.

What machine would you suggest? What machines should I avoid?

I'm all ears and appreciate everyone's opinions.
Thanks in advance.

 

Don't know what your budget will buy in the US but old model (pre 2014) Rubicons are great machines, smooth and reliable. Carbs can wear out and electronic problems on the gearbox are not unknown but rare. Post 2014 Rubicons have a manual gearbox, changed by the electronics and are often horribly notchy. Far more electronics = far more electronic problems, and I have had to fit new gears to one as high asphalt milage gearboxes wear out, also a selector component inherited from the Honda 300 gives problems on the Autos, whereas it doesn't seem to on older, and manual Hondas. The few modern Grizzly machines I have had contact with have been OK. Suzuki 500KQs are a better quad than the modern Honda, rear suspension bushes wear, more on older models than newer ones, and early 500/750s used to crack lower frame tubes, newer seem better. Occasionally the 4WD selector motor fails, a $5 dollar item but Suzuki charge $350 for a new "unit". The 750 versions are rare in the UK but are very similar.

 

Thanks, Merryman! I appreciate that information. My budget is $3,000-$4,500 USD max.

I've seen a few 2012-2018 Rubicons around the top of my budget. But it's VERY interesting, what you say about the King Quads. What years do you consider "old", and what year should I start considering? You are the 2nd person that recommended Suzuki.

Thanks again for the information.

 

With KQs it is a bit odd, pre 2012 seem to have more frame cracking problems but a few slightly newer ones have cracked. Same for the rear suspension bushes. Serviced a very hard worked 2015 500KQ yesterday, rear bushes fine, though front ones are just starting to wear. Did a 2020 last week and every back bush was shot. Pre 2014 Rubicons are the ones to go for in Hondas.