I am buying a new atv and need big help!!!!!
It can be either 2x4 or 4x4, 4 stroke, good for mudding and trail riding, and lower priced(3500-5000)

 

 

For the price range you are looking for, I would try to find something used that is in real good condition. Probably from 1997 up. It seems like 1998 was a good year for upgrades. The yamahas got better suspension that year. Honda made the 450. Kawasaki update their 400 Prairie and made a 300 prairie. Suzuki and Arctic Cat both made a 500. Polaris made a few lineup changes and added engine braking to the sportsman along with a 335 version. 98 seemed to be the year that Polaris got a lot of the kinks out of their system.

Either way you go, you could probably find a good used quad for around $4000 with 500-1300 miles on it in really good shape. A lot of people buy a quad and then want whatever is new a year or two later. If they get desperate, they will drop their price just to get rid of it, and that is a good time to capitalize.

 

3TV has alot of good ideas. I would only argue with him on one point. The Honda Recon is a SMALL machine. If you are a big/tall person, you might want to look at the Polaris 250 Explorer. The power will surprise you, and it is billed as the lowest priced full-size 4x4 out there. It is a 2 cycle, however, but they do hold up well.
Also, don't discount the Xplorer 400 if you like speed. Another 2 cycle, but a good one. If you don't feel the need to go so fast, 3TV suggestion is a good choice otherwise, and easier to maintain as it is all shaft drive. Best is to drive as many as you can & get the one that feels best to you.
There are alot of good used machines out there, and will soon be more...reason...Kawasaki 650 & Sportsman HO.
Farmr

 

I think the Yamaha Big Bear has your name all over it!!! Good luck its a nice 4wd machine 400cc
Good luck

 

Farmer,
I was going to mention the Xplorer to,but he asks for a 4-stroke motor.To bad,it sounds like a good choice to me,
Bill

 

Oh come on now Bill, your alittle biased.