Need help in buying an ATV

[Hershmeister]

I would like to buy a 4wd ATV with a Rear lift bed (ie Kawasaki mule, etc) - what models do you recommend and what should I look for when buying a used one?

[Chris]

I've got a Polaris Ranger 400 that I absolutely love. It'll fit in the bed of my truck but has plenty of giddy up when it's needed.

I don't use the dump bed much, but the few times I have it has worked well.

I've driven Matilda (yes, I like her so much I named her) hard for the last few years with zero problems.

My wife even rolled it into the creek a few months ago and after a draining the fuel and refilling she started up and ran like a champ.

The only change I would make if buying now would be to look at the electric models... it'd be awesome to be able to roll up on deer in silence.

If they have enough power, that'd be the way to go, but still, the 400 is a great vehicle.

[Slappy]

I also use a Polaris Ranger (800). The thing is a work horse. The bed will hold 1,000lbs which is nice when spreading lime on the fields and it will tow 2,000lbs which is nice when needing to drag implements or pull stumps. Fantastic peice if machinery and we have not had any problems with it.

[Wyldk2]

You're wanting a UTV, not an ATV.

 

Polaris is pretty good, if the 800 sounds too big for you they make a 550 which handles just as well. Also Polaris has "Turf mode" which allows the rear dif to disconnect and you won't tear up your yard ( or make the wife mad).

 

Used UTV's i would ask for maintenence records if available and keep a look out for rust, mud and dry rotted hoses/belts etc...

 

But there may be a lot of Yamaha mules on the market since everyone i trail ride with has gone into the polaris rzr ( sport sxs).

[Hershmeister]

Yes - a UTV is the thing I'm looking for - something to use around the farm hauling stuff, minor trail riding and just accessing areas that you don't want to drive a pick up to.


Do these depreciate like cars, so that you save some coin by buying a couple year old model? I'm assuming most people change their own oil and wouldn't really have any service records?

Thanks !

[Wyldk2]

As for depreciation it really ammounts to how many hours they have or miles they have and if it is taken care of there that adds to the value of the vehicle. To me, if it is taken care of it means less work for you down the road. Sometimes you can find one that has been hardly used and the owner is just getting rid of something he/she may not have used that much. You can sometimes find real bargains if you look hard enough.

[Wyldk2]

Big ones to look for:

 

Yamaha Rhinos

 

Kawasaki Mules

 

Polaris Rangers

 

These three are the older models out there that you will find a lot easier and for a better( lower) price used than if you bought new. Most people who have the new Rzrs and other side by sides( UTVs) had something like these before they got into the sportier models. Least those I know that only trail ride more than work.

 

Maybe this helps, i hope so. If i can help you anymore just ask.

[Slappy]

Not really sure about depreciation. The one we purchased was a demo model so we got a bit of a discount on it. Only had like 5 hours on it. It has been a great machine and worth it's weight in gold. I didn't realize how helpful it was going to be until we got it. Has excellent 4x4 capabilities and the power steering is really nice. It's been said it will go 50+mph but I have no desire to test that.

[.357SIG]

You might want to look into John Deere Gators. The 850i models are good for utility/work. The RSX is more for fun, but it is awesome to drive and play in.

[Wyldk2]

There are dime a dozen brands out there making and marketing UTVs these days. You can do your research but i would check out a UTV/ATV themed magazine before purchasing anything. Get some info on the plusses and minuses of each one you are considering before you go for it.

 

Also talk with a couple dealerships, and just look real good before you decide to buy new.