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Help me buy an ATV

Outdoorsfellar

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
I've finally wore down the wife. She's letting me buy one ! I really have no use for one, but I want one. I've only driven one once, at the bow shoot a year back... thanks Rick ! I don't need the most powerful buy any means, but I want auto trans. I don't know anything about them, so help ! I'll want a good financing deal.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I really liked my Polaris 550 XP, it also held its value really well. They make it in a 570 now and you don't see them for same very often. When I finally put mine on CL, it sold right away.

With all that being said, it was the only utility style quad I'd ever owned. I've rode plenty of others, and that XP was the best trail riding one. It was also the largest.

What are your plans to do with it?
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
With out a doubt, power steering was really nice to have around the house. I will also add, that when I buy another one, it'll be another Polaris XP model.
 

5Cent

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
12,291
212
North Central Ohio
Just like automobiles, each brand will be blasted for one reason or another. I recommend figuring out a budget and intended use to narrow down size and creature comfort features. Then start shopping.
 

Outdoorsfellar

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
Thanks guys. I am looking for low end type. Auto trans, steering. My use would mainly be around the neighborhood, hopefully some off roading, snow plowing. I don't want to put a lot of $$ since my uses would be minimal. I don't wanna go over $6500. I have been eyeballing the Polaris Sportsman Utility Edition 450 online, so time will tell.
 
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5Cent

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
12,291
212
North Central Ohio
Lots of options for that price Kevin! Left over new for midsize (400-500cc) and slightly used for big bore machines. Just start looking for one that is already setup with a plow (cheaper this way and less work on your end), but if used make sure not abused (plowing is tough on anything, atv or truck). Lots of options out there and a good used one will be less and keep a little coin in the pocket and that will help with the Mrs.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,721
248
Ohio
That is plenty of budget to work with. My quads have ALL been strictly utilitarian. Plow snow. Haul firewood and deer. Transportation to hang tree stands. The biggest one I've owned was 450cc. Keep that in mind. I doubt many on here have asked their quads to plow what I have. 400-500cc will do all this. I have always had Honda. Simple. Archaic at times. Effective. Reliable. That said my current ride is a Yamaha 450 Kodiak. Pretty much the same as the early (smaller) Grizzly series. I sold my 2006 Rancher 400. Had both for one winter. Kept this one. Independent front suspension and ability to lock all 4 is why I kept it over the Rancher. It is a 2003 and does what I need it to do.
 

OO2

Well-Known Member
2,566
111
In the Uplands
Project atvs are fun, I have an '01 Polaris Trailblazer I'm working on now. However, I'd recommend Honda and Yamaha. A lot of guys want big 800cc quads. However you can get plenty done with a 400-500 size quad, like Hicks said. Lots of benefit to having a quad that is more manuevable in the woods. Yet still will give you plenty of performance.
 

Gordo

Senior Member
5,515
121
Athens County
Your going to love haveing one.

I got my first one about 7 years back. Lucky I didn't kill myself out of the gate. Ran her like a maniac makeing up for not haveing one when I was kid. It was a blast.

It was a Kawasaki prairie 360. Found it used for under 2k and got a solid 5.5 years out of it. It'd still be rolling but was never the same after my aunt took it into a telephone poll. Yikes. That's a story for another day.

It was a bit bulky for its engine size, but was still easy to maneuver around tight spots.

4 wheel drive was a must in my eyes.

I can't say I wouldn't buy the same exact machine again because it did me well for the $$$.

But....

Next time around I'll be going with a simpler Honda/Yamaha.


That one that was listed on here the other day is what I'd be jumping on.
 
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CJD3

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
14,630
201
NE Ohio
I have had no issues with my Brute but it is probably bigger than you need.
The plow is a "Moose" brand and has also served me well.

I will bet you enjoy having one around and look forward to Picts of your new addition.
Unless you know of a "little-old-man" selling, I would go new as well.
 

xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,633
234
Licking Co. Ohio
If you find a Honda Rancher with little to no miles on it, you can save a lot of money. Trick is to NOT be in a hurry. I found this honda for Joy and Braydon and it only had 150 miles on it. I got it for like 2200. Under book price.
 
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xbowguy

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
29,633
234
Licking Co. Ohio
Thanks Rick. I'll get with you sometime to take a look at Joy's. That'll help whenever I get around to it.

Did a little research on these today. Found a few good deals we could talk about.

Some used ones are junk! Some are bought and ridden very little until sold for being in the way.