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  • Texasjack

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    Thinking about getting an ATV (and how to slip it past my better half). Gonna have to keep the price low. I see all sorts of makes and models - some selling online new for $500 - but I'm sure there's gotta be a catch.

    Any recommendations on ATVs? Thing, models, or dealers to avoid?
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    Vaquero

    Moving stuff to the gas prices thread.....
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    Pretty much. Don't get one from tractor supply either.

    Honda, kawasaki, yamaha, arctic cat, polaris. Find a used one and up your budget if possible.
     

    Dawico

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    Pretty much. Don't get one from tractor supply either.

    Honda, kawasaki, yamaha, arctic cat, polaris. Find a used one and up your budget if possible.
    This. Buy a name brand. Avoid the Chinese made off brands. Not only are they junk, but you will never be able to find parts later.
     

    bmnloader

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    I bought a Yamaha new in 2005 and all I've done to it is change the oil and 1 battery. it is ridden pretty much every weekend and is a workhorse. mine is the big bear model. just 400 cc but plenty of power for me.
     

    Texasjack

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    Things got a little easier as the wife agreed that I should get one. This way I won't have to camouflage it as a lamp or power saw.

    Still, budget is budget and I don't recall anyone posting a question on here that included, "...price is no object..".
     

    TheDan

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    some selling online new for $500 - but I'm sure there's gotta be a catch
    The 150cc Chinese ones? Well, they are going to be slow for one. They'll also be shipped to you only partially assembled, and shipping may be $250 depending on the service. The good thing is that the modified gy6 clone they use is pretty reliable and ubiquitous. How reliable the whole thing will be will depend on your attention to detail in post delivery assembly.
     

    40Arpent

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    .

    Still, budget is budget and I don't recall anyone posting a question on here that included, "...price is no object..".

    And I didn't see anyone saying you need to spend $20k on a 1000cc 4x4 quad with a 12" lift kit, 35" mud tires, snorkeled, and sporting a 2000 watt waterproof sound system. LOL

    It is my belief that if you want a quad that won't disintegrate when you hit anything larger than a crack in the sidewalk like the Chinese knock-offs will, you're looking at roughly $2000 (on the low end) for a good, dependable, used quad.
     

    Vern1

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    A 250 will work but if you want to haul anything or pull a trailer, 450 minimum.
    If you want to joy ride and fool around, get a 2w drive.
    If you want to use it, go ahead and get 4w drive.

    Simple math:
    Buy a used Big 4 (Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki) for about 2500.00 and use it.
    or
    Buy 5 each 500.00 subpar fragile chinese toys - only pull one out of the crate and keep the others crated for spare parts and spare parts for spare parts. You are also required to learn how to repair them because you will be...because the frames break, the exhausts crack, the bearings are made of poo and go away fast....hope you get the message.
     

    Texasjack

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    So here's an update: A neighbor that is a good friend has a couple of nice ATVs and I asked his advice. He said he had 2 Chinese ATVs and both were worse than junk. Then he pointed out an idiot neighbor of mine - the kind of guy who serves as a "bad example" so that if you do the opposite of what he does you'll be ok - and tells me that the idiot bought 2 Chinese models in December and wanted to use them at Christmas, but couldn't get either one to start. Yikes! I'm convinced.

    Found a Honda I like a lot today, but going to search a bit to see if I can do better on the price.
     

    40Arpent

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    So you believed your neighbor and not us??? I am hurt! ;-)

    Honda quads are pretty solid, damn near bullet proof. You're on the right track now.
     

    Dawico

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    Usually the payments are fairly reasonable also.

    I bought new and top of the line years ago. Polaris 700 4x4 EFI and the payments were only a couple hundred a month.

    Obviously if you stay to the mid range models buying new they are very affordable.

    If you can pay cash for used you should be in very good shape.
     

    F350-6

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    you're looking at roughly $2000 (on the low end) for a good, dependable, used quad.

    Do they really go for that much? I've got a 96 Polaris 425 that I was thinking about selling. I didn't think it was worth anything in that neighborhood.
     

    Texasjack

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    Update, took the wife with me to look at various dealers. I was leaning towards a 4x2, but the wife insisted a 4x4 was worth the extra cost. (THAT is why she's my wife.) Came home with a 2014 Honda Rancher. Decent deal and decent financing.
     

    40Arpent

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    Update, took the wife with me to look at various dealers. I was leaning towards a 4x2, but the wife insisted a 4x4 was worth the extra cost. (THAT is why she's my wife.) Came home with a 2014 Honda Rancher. Decent deal and decent financing.

    Excellent choice!
     

    F350-6

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    Ok, I'll admit that I wasn't thinking about 18 yr old quads when I said $2000.

    Wow. When you put it that way, I didn't realize it had gotten that old. I guess time flies.

    Update, took the wife with me to look at various dealers. I was leaning towards a 4x2, but the wife insisted a 4x4 was worth the extra cost. (THAT is why she's my wife.) Came home with a 2014 Honda Rancher. Decent deal and decent financing.

    Congrats on the purchase.
     
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