Used ATV- best bang for the buck?

Ok, probably gonna suck it up and get a quad or something. My only criteria is reliability (#1), and 4-wd.
My evil intentions for it-

• plow snow
• haul a small wood trailer
• shallow drag- disc., harrow
• haul my lazy butt up a jeep track for hunting

So, for a used ATV- ideally price around $2500.00, what should I concentrate on? Thanks, JB

 

Got a line on a Polaris 500- 6 X 6, dump bed, winch and plow for $3500. Thoughts??

 

My buddy is a small engine mechanic and he swears by Honda Quads. You can find some decent, used quads at 2500.00, but they will likely be older. A big issue with quads is whether they have been rolled, submerged etc, and sellers often BS about that. However, it is highly unlikely that a 6x6 has been rolled. With a dump bed, winch and plow, $3500.00 sounds like a great deal.

 

I've always like the yamaha wolverines for used 4x4 quads. its only 350cc but it was the sportier version. It used the driveline out of a warrior in a 4x4 chassis. They used to be had cheap and were dead nuts reliable. I'll have another one someday.

 

Good price. Might be to big to do some trails.

 

Polaris isn't ultra reliable in my experience. Honda and newer yamahas are.

 

My outlander is a 2004 400 4x4 and only problem so far was a blown relay for the cooling fan - other than that, been a great machine for hauling wood, plowing, etc. But, they don't come up for sale as often around here as some other quads - Honda Rancher would be my choice based on word of mouth I've heard about their reliability. Cheers!

 

I have a Yamaha 400 Kodiak with less than 500 miles, never been wrecked, flipped, etc., comes with CB radio and 2 gun cases, problem is it is in Virginia.

 

I can tell you those 6x6 aren't the most maneuverable things out there....kinda like a tank...if you can't get around it...run it over!

For 2500, a used Honda foreman will serve you well and should easily be found for that price.

 

Honda foreman. Period. There are no other atvs.

 

Not that they are easy to get stuck, but if you get a 6x6 stuck they aren't easy to get out, even with a winch. Another thing to consider.

 

From your "intentions" sounds like you need a kubota or mahindra.

 

I use a 94 Toyota 4wd pickup as a ATV/UTV.

Plus it hauls more wood...

 

I like the smaller ones myself. Only draw back is no part time 4x4 ones. I was using the honda recon 250 in the hills last week. Got in a bind heading straight down hill on steep logging road on my land. Reverse was no help in the wet clay covered with leaves. Puckered up and headed down very slowly.

On other hand using my bro's 500 Vinson 4x4 it cant get in places the smaller one will take me in between trees off the paths. But it has no problem going to 4x4 and backing back up like I had above.

I wish they made a recon 250 sized 4x4 that could be used 2 wheel till 4x4 was needed. Not full time 4x4 like a 350 was.

 

Aint that the truth. Dad has some 6 wheel polaris. Seats 3 and small bed. It will go anywhere in the hills but you need 40 acres to turn it around etc.

 

There is a kit you can install to make 4x4 selectable.

 

Good to know but wont help on a 2 wheel drive recon.

I was just talking about not wanting a full time like TW 350 was. If they made a 250 sized 4x4 in low high or even just high and 2 and 4 wheel I would have one.