Questions regarding used Utility Quads (ATV)

[Airbusdriver]

I am in the market for a used utility ATV quad. I've asked around at some cycle shops and talked to mechanics who also ride for some advice, and got some good info. Now I'm asking you CWT members for their input, since you're the ones who actually use them. For starters, I'm no runt: I am 6'3 and weigh about 220.

 

Some of the considerations I am soliciting your feedback on:

 

SIZE OF MACHINE: I've been told by more than one source that I should be looking for something 500cc and up, given my weight, and the fact that I will be hauling gear and (hopefully) game. I've seen a few machines on Craigslist that fit within my budget (<$2,600), but are in the 350-400 cc range.

 

4x4 vs 2x4: This seems like a no-brainer. 4x4 is always nice to have, but has anyone been sorry they had a 2x4?

 

Fuel Injected vs Carburetor: The consensus seems to be pro-injection, but given that you only find fuel injection on the later models, it leaves me out in the cold due to budget. For those who are running carbs, has it been a huge detriment?

 

Make/Model: Here is where the debate gets hot. Of the three mechanics I talked to, all three agreed hands-down that Honda is the best, in their opinion: easier to work on, better engineered, parts cost & accessibility, etc. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of Honda utility quads out there in my price range. Kawasaki was the second choice of mechanics, but again, not a lot out there. The third and most plentiful option is the Polaris. There are a lot of them on the off-road, and they seem to be popular, but I question their mechanical track record.

 

Miles/Hours: How many is too many?

 

This is a lot to throw at you, but I've always received great advice from you good people, and I respect your opinions. Any comments/suggestions/considerations would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

[Coues79]

I owned a Honda rancher 420 ES 2006 4x4 fuel injected and sold it about 6 months ago...... loved the quad. Very reliable and no concerns whatsoever in power and ability to handle any load or gear I had on it. You might can find one close to that price range if given enough time. The only thing I would like to have had with it was I.R.S.

 

I have a ranger and the only reason I got rid of it was for the lack of riding it; wish I'd of just kept it now.

 

If you get into remote places or anything rough at all I wouldn't want to be without 4 wheel drive. If i didn't have 4 wheel, I wouldn't go places that I go with it just for the fact or concern of getting in a bad situation with no options.

[More D]

I was in your spot 3-4 years back. I ended up with a Polaris Ranger. I went with a Polaris because I have a cousin who works for azgfd as a biologist. They use quads harshly and 'ride them hard and put them wet' so to speak and he could only recommend Polaris. They use different brands but in his opionion the Polaris was just better from reliability to cost of maitainence/parts, ride, power, etc. The fact that he rode all different brands for work, we all drive our work vehicles differently than our personal vehicales, and Polaris came out on top.

For me and my Ranger....I LOVE IT! I am very big on maintanince and the only thing I have had to do for mine is the battery but only because I did not have a battery tender on it. I really use mine too and it has never even hicupped.

Also Polaris quads also tend to have independant rear susp with out having to go to the largest motor. It really makes a difference in the ride.

 

[Airbusdriver]

I was in your spot 3-4 years back. I ended up with a Polaris Ranger. I went with a Polaris because I have a cousin who works for azgfd as a biologist. They use quads harshly and 'ride them hard and put them wet' so to speak and he could only recommend Polaris. They use different brands but in his opionion the Polaris was just better from reliability to cost of maitainence/parts, ride, power, etc. The fact that he rode all different brands for work, we all drive our work vehicles differently than our personal vehicales, and Polaris came out on top.

For me and my Ranger....I LOVE IT! I am very big on maintanince and the only thing I have had to do for mine is the battery but only because I did not have a battery tender on it. I really use mine too and it has never even hicupped.

Also Polaris quads also tend to have independant rear susp with out having to go to the largest motor. It really makes a difference in the ride.

 

 

What size of engine? What is a battery tender? Also..is a quad with 1,500 miles on it considered "high mileage"?

 

Thanks for the feed back, btw.

[More D]

I was in your spot 3-4 years back. I ended up with a Polaris Ranger. I went with a Polaris because I have a cousin who works for azgfd as a biologist. They use quads harshly and 'ride them hard and put them wet' so to speak and he could only recommend Polaris. They use different brands but in his opionion the Polaris was just better from reliability to cost of maitainence/parts, ride, power, etc. The fact that he rode all different brands for work, we all drive our work vehicles differently than our personal vehicales, and Polaris came out on top.

For me and my Ranger....I LOVE IT! I am very big on maintanince and the only thing I have had to do for mine is the battery but only because I did not have a battery tender on it. I really use mine too and it has never even hicupped.

Also Polaris quads also tend to have independant rear susp with out having to go to the largest motor. It really makes a difference in the ride.

 

 

What size of engine? What is a battery tender? Also..is a quad with 1,500 miles on it considered "high mileage"?

 

Thanks for the feed back, btw.

 

Any toy you have that will sit more than you use will just about require a ''battery tender jr'' it will save batteries and keep your ride ready to go at moments notice. Mine is a 2008 and it has 1050mi I think.

Size? My Ranger is a 700.

[More D]

Search Walmart online for 'battery tender jr' It is the absolute best at maintaining your batteries.

 

 

 

 

[Coues79]

I was in your spot 3-4 years back. I ended up with a Polaris Ranger. I went with a Polaris because I have a cousin who works for azgfd as a biologist. They use quads harshly and 'ride them hard and put them wet' so to speak and he could only recommend Polaris. They use different brands but in his opionion the Polaris was just better from reliability to cost of maitainence/parts, ride, power, etc. The fact that he rode all different brands for work, we all drive our work vehicles differently than our personal vehicales, and Polaris came out on top.

For me and my Ranger....I LOVE IT! I am very big on maintanince and the only thing I have had to do for mine is the battery but only because I did not have a battery tender on it. I really use mine too and it has never even hicupped.

Also Polaris quads also tend to have independant rear susp with out having to go to the largest motor. It really makes a difference in the ride.

 

 

What size of engine? What is a battery tender? Also..is a quad with 1,500 miles on it considered "high mileage"?

 

Thanks for the feed back, btw.

 

A battery tender is a trickle charger. It will keep your battery charged to full capacity if it sits for a while without running it.

 

1500 miles ain't bad. But it also depends on the prior owner and how those 1500 miles were driven.

[Elkaddict]

From your original post I assume you are looking for a regular quad not a big machine like the Ranger. 1500 miles isn't in my opinion too many miles, 1500 miles seems to be about when you need new tires. Personally I would stick with the Honda, this topic is like asking what caliber do you use, everyone has their favorite.4 wheel or 2 wheel? I have the 4x4 Honda and when you need it...you need it.

[Snapshot]

I personally like Polaris. I bought a new Sportsman 450 in 2006. I do wish I would have gone with the 500 fuel injected. Fuel injection will automatically adjust for altitude changes. I installed a dial-a-jet on mine which makes for easy fuel adjustments at altitude. I also like the Polaris because its big and comfortable. Take care of them and they will last. The Poalris is a AWD - All wheel drive, and not a full time 4x4. The front drive only engages when the rear wheels start to spin when it is in AWD Mode. I put 14" rims and 27"Tires on it, and have almost a foot of ground clearance, but your really have to change the clutch to a different size if you switch from stock tires to a larger size tire.

[Snapshot]

1500 miles is not much. I have about 1800 on mine and a couple hundred hours I think. Still in great shape.

[Elkaddict]

Just another plug for Honda. I have a 2002 Honda Rubicon 500 I bought new (on Ebay of all places) I have 560 hours and 5200 miles. Changed oil regularly and replaced battery once. Probably on my 4th set of tires. Can't ask for much more than that.

[azhuntnut]

I used to hunt alot with a guy that road a suzuki 250cc 4x4 with double shifters for putting it in low or super low. He was easily 250 pounds and 6'3. He never had any problem following me everwhere I went on my sportman 500. I can only think of one time where he needed more power and that was in some of the red clay mud and the tires got so packed that it would barely move. He would load that thing for bear everytime we went out. I bet you could find one of those in your price range and not have any problems. David

[ajohunter]

My recommendation would be a Kawasaki. All my quads were kawis and they are built very well.

[papa]

Buy a Polaris. I have two sportsman 500 a 1998 and a 2006 I also have a 07 Ranger all 3 have been bullet proof.

Not one problem with any of them.The 98 has 4200 miles on it and I trust it as if it were new.

[pwrguy]

I have a Honda Rancher with way over 5000 miles on it that I bought new in 2001. Never had anything done except fluids and regular maint. it even has the original battery that sits out in the cold every winter and works like a champ after not being started for 2 or 3 months. I am on my 3rd set of tires. If I bought a bike today I would look for one wth a little more power and better suspension. I had a 2009 Yamaha quad up in Alaska that was really nice to ride...I really wanted to bring that bike back with me but not economically feasable.

 

Good luck, I think there are a lot of good choices out there today. I do think the Honda's are as reliable as they come.