atv shoping used

After looking for several weeks and seeing many different types and configurations I am left with the same confusion as when I started, as to what would be actually needed for our situation. I have seen what could be a great deal or not. but here is the scenario. we have between 3ooo and 3500 to spend It would be for an adult who has never ridden before. Would be used at the cottage about twenty to forty hours a year for hunting on narrow trails or no trail and to pull out the odd log to junk up for fire wood. and just to get to the cottage in winter or ice fishing once in a while. I have been looking at the 400 to 500 cc type 4x4 atv with winch, beyond that I would have not much more knowledge. Don't want any thing with all the do dads that could be expensive to replace if broken but don't mind some, if it would be easer to ride such as power steering or shifting. but not necessary if we can get by.
So I am once again, asking you all what your experience and ideas have been over the years of learning and riding. Thanks all Don

Find a used honda 420 in good shape. There big enough but not too big.

Thanks GuyJR they seemed about the right size

Although Hondas are good most products, their ATV's are old technology along with low ground clearance. Stick with the reliable models such as Yamaha or Kawasaki. Avoid Polaris and Arctic Cat like the plague. Anything in the 400-500cc range will suffice to get you around and tow your firewood.

If you can find a 2000-2002 Polaris 500 you would be doing ok. easy to shift and handle Put mudlite tires on it and the bike will go places you never thought. We had 2 but got out of ATV's until we decided to hunt. I now own a little Honda 250 4 trax, 2 wheel drive, light as a feather but it has a kick start.( my biggest issue is tires/ boy does my bike need tires) Yamaha Kodiak 400, dependable. Suzuki also makes a very dependable bike. Make sure it is an automatic whichever you get, a winch is a must but just so you don't forget, make damn certain you can pull start the bike if the battery fails. Last thing you want is to push it home off the lake on a cold day. Savage308

Thanks Fisherman I did not want to go with arctic cat even to me they look cheap. The Honda I figured would be good for reliability and basic I had been looking at the Polaris sportsman as there were quite a few of them. I believe MikePal suggested a king Quad last year but I think they mite have to many things on it that would make it expensive to repair.. So can you tell me about the Polaris that is not good.

I have 4500 hard km's on my Cat, and I'd get another one, so opinions aren't worth much unless you've had one and put it through the paces, and it will go where your small hondas and yamahas won't. Just about everyone can claim they've seen a bike from every other brand break down. I sure have. The Honda and Yamaha loyalty here kinda reminds me of the sheeple that buy nothing but Toyota. They're no better than the rest, and they have their issues too.

Search threads for everytime someone has asked about getting an ATV and every thread is identical with the same people saying the same thing.


Personally, I wouldn't touch a Polaris. I've seen more issues with those than any other brand.

That's two negatives about Polaris funny I had been leaning towards them as well as the Hondas now not so sure, as far as the arctic cats go I have not really seen any actual reviews on them to make a good judgment. as others have said the Suzuki's and Yamahas seem to shine a bit more than the rest

I bought a Honda foreman 450 4x4 in 2003..used it for moose hunting..bird hunting and deer hunting..It seems to be big enough to get the job done and small enough to get in and outta the bush..no problems with it..put some decent tires on it and away you go..it is manual shift with reverse and a winch and a selector for 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive.Great machine..Also put a plow on it for doing the drive way..Good luck in finding the perfect one..This is just my 2 Cents worth..

Severn Don, you have a PM.