help purchasing

[ericchile]

So I think I am going to buy an ATV mostly for plowing and camping.

I am looking to buy a couple years used and have been searching on KSL mostly.

I am thinking about the sportsman 500 or similar rubicon (honda).

What sort of things should I check before buying? I am pretty mechanical (do my own work on the cars).

Any other places to search besides KSL?

[Stuck N Utah]

Well the first thing you should check is to make sure it doesn't say polaris on the side of it thats a sure sign of a money pit, I'd go for the Honda because no matter how mechanically inclined you are you can't keep those damn polaris's out of the shop. I have an 06 Rubicon and its a great machine you might also want to look at the new Rancher 420 with EFI it would be great for what your looking for and there not to spendy.

[Sombeech]

Well the first thing you should check is to make sure it doesn't say polaris on the side

[ericchile]

So many Polaris out there... that there seems to be better deals for them than the Hondas. Maybe thats a sign.

Now Im really confused and the snow is already flying.

[fourtycal]

Well the first thing you should check is to make sure it doesn't say polaris on the side of it

I second that vote. Anything from Honda on it is going to be a good machine, they hold their value well and for good reason. I ride a rancher 4x4 and have yet to find a trail it won't tackle or a load it won't haul.

I have never looked but maybe try,
http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/
http://www.kutvclassifieds.com/

[chickenlicken]

Don't rule out the Kawasaki's. I've had mine for 6 years, all I've had done is replace the tires and add some rims. My friends have honda's and they are also great machines. The hondas have a bit lower center of gravity which makes them great for climbing slickrock. While I've never owned a polaris, I've heard the same about maintenace issues with them.

[ericchile]

Thanks for the info guys... I have now moved my search from polaris to honda or "other".

[orvis1]

If you are looking for a work machine a honda is the ticket. If you are looking for a trial riding machine I understand the ride is not so good. We plow with our Grizzly 700 so nice not to shovel or use the snowblower anymore!

[fourtycal]

While we are talking about what not to buy, I would add Suzuki and Artic cat to the list. Both have some nice features and if you have a friend that is an atv mechanic and has a great source for factory parts you might be fine with one, but in general, just my opinion that has developed from many friends and horror stories I would avoid them.

My top three would be Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki in that order.

[Stuck N Utah]

Something else to look at if you like riding in the mud or going through water is the drive train, while I was in Ak I got really sick and tired of waiting for yamahas to dry there belts off so they could go again.

[Reedus]

Shoot me a PM if you haven't bought one already. I have the means of picking any type of ATV you want for wholesale.