BigBadMarine,

Welcome to the forums. Nice to see new faces.

I am not going to claim I'm an expert, but I am very knowledgable in the Utility ATV market.

Based on what your requirements are I will try to help you decide.

Requirement #1: ATV total cost < $6000
A) As you stated, this will bring you down to the 400cc class (which is fine, there are alot of good bikes out there)

Requirement #2: Uses will be Hunting, Light Utility work.
A) I'm gathering you don't intend (right now anyway) to be doing much trail riding

Requirement #3: Reliability is an issue
A) As with all purchases, it's important to get a good reliable wheeler.


Based on those requirements, here are my thoughts.

If you're not planning on doing much trail riding, and are going to be pulling a trailer, etc. with it, an IRS quad is not for you.
IRS is good for ride comfort and for ground clearance. It's bad for towing because the rear end squats when you apply a tongue load.
The solid rear axle also handles better than IRS, but since your not into trail riding yet, that's possibly a moot point.

Based on SRA (solid rear axle) quads, in your price range, you are looking at a Kodiak 400, Sportsman 400, Prairie 360, and Rancher 400 (es).

Kodiak 400: My good friend owned one, and it was a pretty good machine. Auto tranny, 3 wheel drive though, not locking front end.
Had good power, handled well. He did have overheating issues with it, but that was more attributed to him being a **** and not taking care of it (had mud caked on radiator).

Sportsman 400: This is my opinion ONLY. Take it with a grain of salt. I don't like Polaris' at all. Their reliability has ALWAYS been an issue. Yes, they sell a ton of them, especially in Minnesota where I'm from, but they seem to always break down. I have 2 riding buddies that were former Polaris Sportsman owners that swear they'd never own another one. Both purchased brand new, both had multiple shop visits. Many times breaking down during an extended trail ride. Never fun. They do have a very good 4x4 locking system though. One of the best in the industry (if not the best). They are also very heavy ATVs. Winch is mandatory equipment with one.

Prairie 360: Very underpowered machine. Quite possibly the ugliest of the bunch too, although looks were not one of your requirements.

Rancher 400: 5 speed manual tranny (ES model has an automatic for about $300 more). Hondas are legendary for their reliability. Air cooled, so overheating is not a issue. This is the model I would recommend. Caveat: It too is a 3 wheel drive model (IE no locking front Differential)

PS - I own a Grizzly 660, and am in no way affiliated with Honda.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks ALL for your input. As of today, I have sitting in my garage a 05' Arctic Cat 400 4X4 Automatic with the front locking diff. I think I made the right choice for myself. I decided against the Kawi 360 after finding out it only came with a 6 month warranty. It was another $500 for a 2 year warranty, which would have brought the price of the bike to $5500. The Cat was $5800. The Cat had the IRS and I liked the stance of the bike. Plus, it just felt like a fit when I test drove it. I know there are the Chevy vs. Ford types, which I could have cared less about. All brands have lemons. I think you just have to go with what you feel comfortable with. I personally feel like I got the most bang for my buck. Time will tell. Anyhow...to late now to change my mind now. I guess now I have to talk trash about all the OTHER brands...lol

Seriously though...thanks for everyones input. It made me stop and think. Funny thing is though...you don't really see much talk about the AC's....good or bad. You can be sure I'll let eveyone know how mine does....good OR bad.

 

good luck w/ your 400. local polaris/arctic cat dealer here sold bout 100-150 machines(cats), not ones been back to the shop, so it should be reliable for ya.

 

This is a little after the fact, but...

I have had an Arctic Cat 500i on my farm for a little over two years now. Farm is rough as a cob, so I liked the high clearance, and I pull things so the 5 spd manual was a big factor.

In two years and 1k miles of farm use, my Cat has needed the following repairs: a fouled spark plug needed to be replaced, and I broke a light bulb off. Was backing up and a branch got jammed under the front fender. Otherwise, just gas and go. It has hauled several tons of firewood every winter - gets to places I can't drive a truck, which is usually where a tree is down. Stretched fence wire tight with the winch. Hauled tree limbs and logs off of fences. And had a good time.