Advice needed about used 4 wheelers

[CaleR]

I owned a Honda 300 4x4 for 20 years and sold it two years ago.  It was the AK-47 of 4-wheelers and was still running strong when I sold it.  Call me a fuddy-duddy, but if I'm looking for the ultimate in dependability and longevity in a used 4-wheeler, I would stay away from liquid-cooled, power steering, electric shift, auto trans, belt drive, etc.  The comment above about buying from someone you know is worth remembering.  Run from the guy who loves mud, water and snorkel kits.

Ours is a 1991, still being used almost daily.  Love it.

[Lumber_Jack]

I'm not a huge fan of the Polaris sit-on because they're a wide machine.

We have 2 Honda Ranchers at work 2003,2004 and they have been truly awesome. If I were buying one I'd look at the Recon because it's a 450cc vs 350cc Rancher.

I would steer clear of the big machines with 700+ motors. It's just bit necessary for a utility ATV, and they can be dangerous if you're not carful

[Slappy]

It's not fair to say Hondas are bad because UTV's are better. You are comparing two completely different machines. I have both a 1997 Honda Foreman that has been duck hunting, deer hauling and recreational use and it's been great. I also have a Polaris Ranger 800. Which is far more comfortable and offers far greater utility but much more expensive. The OP needs to decide on a budget and decide on how much utility he wants/needs before deciding ATV vs UTV. But my point is, Hondas are great machines and cannot be fairly compared to a machine that is completely different.

[Randall53]

Thanks for all the imput!!  I'm selling my ST1300 because of shoulder problems. The vibrations and bumps of the road in the handlebars is causing problems. I've decided I'd be in the same boat with a 4 wheeler. Side by sides have steering wheels so that's where I'm going. I'm looking at the Polaris 4x4 500 if I can find a good used one. I used to use one a lot when I worked, but have not had one in the woods before. A friend of mine has one and uses it a lot for woods riding and loves it. So...thanks again for all the input!!!