hi, im looking at an atv for my farm. The thing is i only have $1000 max. So i cant go all out and spend anymore. I found a 1988 moto-4 for $1500 obo, so i may be able to get it pretty darn close to $1000 or mabye $1100. He says looks and runs great, electric start, 2wd, racks, and new tires. Is this a good deal? And does any one know anything about these machines.

 

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/.../epichome.aspx

must not be a yamaha its not here

 

its a yamaha its just not an "epic atv" if they showed every model they made there were be alot more on that page

 

We used to own 2 1986 moto-4 225's and let me tell you, those things are tanks! We had our blue one for over 15 years, it was in really shape, and sold it to a friend for $1,000 and he's still using it! Our red one is still being used on the farm and just keeps on going! I donno why the owner would want anymore than $1,000 for that quad though, it's not really worth too much more. They are VERY obsolete but last forever and have plenty of power for most little jobs.

 

Basically, a good running ATV depreciates and then just hits a bottom price and goes no lower as long as it runs. If this guy has one that is in good condition, I bet he could get $1,250. Sounds like you have $1,100 max so offer him that and see how it goes.

I would ask around about the availability of parts though. The manufacturer only has to produce parts for ~10 years after it is out of production.

/Jon

 

parts are not an issue as i can get most of them at a website. Also do you guys know about how much tis could pull? I will be using it mostly for pulling carts and for my grandfather to get to his hunting spot.

 

My first quad was an 88 moto-4 200, just put tires on it, and ran it for years with minimal upkeep, I believe the 225 model came with low range tranny, that would be a lot better for pulling and yard work, but I used mine to move a 16 foot fishing boat around the yard, and it would go a pretty good clip down the trail. If you can get that quad down to 1000, and it is in really good shape, it would work real good for you. I rode with a guy with a 250x and a 250R, funny thing, if the trail was a twisty, rough woods trail, I could keep up or leave the R behind, it took a lot more finess to go over the rough stuff with a hi perf. 2 stroke than a torquey 4 stroke. Change the oil and keep the air filter clean, and it will run a long time.

 

Is it a 350?

 

yes, it is a 350 he said he would go to $1200. He says it has new tires and front wheels ,new custom plastic ,bumper,new handle bars and brake cables,new seat cover,was all redone about 6 months ago

 

My father is just getting ready to but some front bushings on his machine. His is a 1987 (the model is a YFM 350ER.) The wheeler uses the same motor as the Warrior and the Wolverine. We just rebuilt the motor about 1 year ago and my father really does not maintain the machine. There really isn't a lot to go wrong with it.
The only glaring negative is the brakes. His front brakes are manual drum brakes and the rear are manual disc brakes. Both have sucked since new. We always went through a set of rear brakes after a couple of poker runs and the fronts never seem to work.
As far as parts go, don't worry, they are still available. The machine is a good work horse. If it is in decent shape, buy it. As far as a trail machine, it is a little dated and a harsh ride compared to new ones. Not to many issues ago in Dirt Wheels they featured the machine in their retro section. I hope you enjoy it.