Walleyebuster
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I'm pinched into getting something with a plow since my driveway is too big for a blower and too small for plow on my truck. I'm considering used but after seeing what some (most) guys do to them I really don't know. What i mean by that is a lot of guys beat the snot out of them and upgrade after a few years. Would you guys ever buy a used wheeler from someone you don't know?
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-The more you know, the more you want to know-
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big_hunter
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depends what his garage looks like!!! if a guy treats his truck/boat/etc nice, his wheeler should be no different. happy hunting!
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-hunter
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Chris Tuckner
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I would. If you are half-  mechanical which I am sure you are..you can replace or repair the usual easy to spot stuff like belts, clutches, tires and the like. The engine should run smooth and start easily...most ATV makers are putting out good product, and engines for the most part are bulletproof with a little TLC.
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Jami Ritter
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Sure, like anything else, do your home work. If you find one you like, check the oils to make sure they are clean and not full of water, check the air filter, are the tires wearing the same, then jump on and take it for a ride. engage/disengage 4 wheel drive. run it through the all the gears.
Jami
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gutone4me
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they are almost paying you to get new ones id go that route  just my .02 cents
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he who laughs last think the slowest
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BIRDDOG
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Yes.
Just have to find the stock, one owner, adult driven, maintained machine that's obviously in good shape and runs good. They're out there.
Don't buy the clutch kit, snorkled, swamp tire, under cariage beat to sht machine.
Ask if you can check and remove the belly pan, it's just a few bolts and takes a minute with a socket. Mud, grass? How do the components look under(above)the pan? Easy to spot the beaten machines. Look under the seat, in the air cleaner, these spots hold dirt/mud as well. If there's any doubt, walk away! Lots of nice, well taken care of machines out there for purchase.
I went through several before finding the one owner, babied, like brand new, never in the mud, driven by a great grandpa machine...they're out there and there's plenty to sort through to find it.
For some it's best to buy new, for me used is just fine. Just have to find the nice machines.
BIRDDOG
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FOR BETTER OR WORSE, FISHING AND HUNTING COME FIRST
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Kooty
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Another recent thread on this subject.
Wheeler
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I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.
John
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Riveratt
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I didn't read the others replies but I'm sure all offered sound advice. I chime in to say this. If you found an ATV owned by someone like me, and they are out there, you'd be better off buying the USED one. In my case I have an 04.5 Sportsman 700 EFI with 1700 miles on it. I am more than meticulous on maintenance and in my honest feeling is no worse for wear than a new one. The sad thing is when I bought mine I paid $7400 OTD and by current standards seems it is hardly worth $4200. That is a HUGE savings! The key, as has likely been said already, is to weed through those clunkers and find a gem. They exist though believe me.
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* * * * * *
Most of my life has been spent fishing.The rest of it I just wasted.
If I'm not fishing, hunting, or ATVing, you can bet I'm wishing I was!
Control your kids, not my guns!
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Suzuki
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I too have an 04 worth buying. Same thing mentioned above but with only 480 miles. I expect it to last me a long time and be easy to sell when the time comes.
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Mike
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WADE74
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I purchased a used one was on the fence but the budget dictated my decision. I looked at many and found an 02 Sportsman that was very clean, well taken care of, and not abused. They are out there but I would say after 5 months of looking I finally found the right one for me.
Good luck!
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AJ
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I purchased an Arctic Cat new in the fall of 07 because I had the same fears you are having. So many people beat the snot out of them. After what I have put mine through  in 1100 miles, and it still runs, rides, starts like new. I now would have no worries about buying used.
The people that come home via a tow strap are the people that modify their rides. Stay with a clean STOCK machine and you'll be fine. 
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"I feel that if a gun is good enough to protect something as important as a bar, then its good enough to protect my family." Homer Simpson
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Minnesota Tom
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I have no idea what they are worth, but my son recently bought a used 500 Bombardier with a blade. I think he said it's about 6 years old with 1500 miles on it, one local owner. Everything seemed good on it when I hauled it home for him. He also has the idea to clean his driveway (He doesn't know it yet, but mine too) and to ride with his kids. I think he said it's an '02 and paid $2100.00 for it with the nearly new blade included.
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troutsrus
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Like has been mentioned ......... look around. I just bought a 4 year old Suzuki driven by a middle aged fatman like me !  a one owner perfect ride for less than 1/2 price of a new one , with $1800 worth of extras including a blade !!! He was getting a divorce and had to move it. It is perfect with no scuffs. I also had no problem selling mine ( ridden by middle aged fatman!!  ) --- there are some sweet deals on Craigs List . Good luck.
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IceJohn
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I am the old fatman that brought Troutsrus 4 wheeler.I am way happy with it.ICE JOHN
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millerman
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Quote:
Like has been mentioned ......... look around. I just bought a 4 year old Suzuki driven by a middle aged fatman like me ! a one owner perfect ride for less than 1/2 price of a new one , with $1800 worth of extras including a blade !!! He was getting a divorce and had to move it. It is perfect with no scuffs. I also had no problem selling mine ( ridden by middle aged fatman!! ) --- there are some sweet deals on Craigs List . Good luck.
Kent what the ? Polaris! Remember!
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Tim Miller, Jr
Cannon Power Sports
507-263-4532
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mendotaeye
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Some used wheelers are great, some aren't. Be selective and you will be happy with your choice.
Used wheelers are a lot like women. Some have been ridden a lot and really show their age. Some have lots of aftermarket parts to make them look like a lot more than they really are. Some have not been well maintained and are a little squishy in places. And then there is the rare gem that looks as good as it did when new, and everything is tight and solid. Bottom line is that they all can be fun and get the job done, but which one will you really be happy with when you come home and see it in your garage?
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Suzuki
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Never thought I could get aroused from a wheeler post.. 
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Mike
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WADE74
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me either....
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mplspug
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Quote:
Used wheelers are a lot like women. Some have been ridden a lot and really show their age. Some have lots of aftermarket parts to make them look like a lot more than they really are. Some have not been well maintained and are a little squishy in places. And then there is the rare gem that looks as good as it did when new, and everything is tight and solid. Bottom line is that they all can be fun and get the job done, but which one will you really be happy with when you come home and see it in your garage?
In other words, get an ugly 4-wheeler.
And I think you are getting the garage mixed up with the kitchen. Or maybe I am mixing up women and 4 wheelers.
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You can judge a man by how far he holds a fish away from his body.
Edited by mplspug (08/25/09 09:49 AM)
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dandorn
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I'm hoping to sell mine this fall. It's a 2006 Sportsman 500 EFI with 118 miles on it. It's got pretty much everything on it.
What do you guys think I'll be able to get for it??
Thanks!!
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Kooty
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$4-5k ish. Lots of them on craigs for less than that, but also more miles. A lot of folks hurting for money as umemployment continues to rise. Sadly, many deals to be had out there. Plus, dealers are hardly selling anything, so the new market it at a rock bottom driving down used prices of course. I've contemplated upgrading to a side by side. Some awesome deals on craigs right now.
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I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.
John
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SomethingFishy
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Quote:
I'm hoping to sell mine this fall. It's a 2006 Sportsman 500 EFI with 118 miles on it. It's got pretty much everything on it.
What do you guys think I'll be able to get for it??
Thanks!!
IMO you would be lucky if you maged to get $4000 for it. You can buy a brand new 500 sportsman for $5000.
I sold my 08-800 in mint condition, loaded with accesories and 1 year left on the extended warranty. I sold it for $5700...... if I was patient I could have probably gotten a few hundered more but I was itching for an 09-850 with power-steering.
As for buying a used machine that would all depend on the seller and condition. I would thouroughly inspect it, look for dirt/mud in the frame. Check the radiator, make sure the fins are clean and not bent. Look at the exhause and see if it is stained/caked with mud. I would also try to find a machine with no performance mods and no over-sized tires. As already stated check the oil, air box, remove the skid, test the 4x4, etc......... all that being said I prefer to buy new. although you could still end up with a problem laden machine.
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2009 Polaris Sportsman XP 850 EPS Mossy Oak
26" Maxxis Bighorns on 14" Black ITP SS 212 Wheels
Polaris Prospector Pro Tracks
Dual registered as a Class 1 ATV (tires) and a ORV(tracks)
2007 8x20 Toy-Hauler/Camper/Fish-House
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dandorn
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Quote:
$4-5k ish. Lots of them on craigs for less than that, but also more miles. A lot of folks hurting for money as umemployment continues to rise. Sadly, many deals to be had out there. Plus, dealers are hardly selling anything, so the new market it at a rock bottom driving down used prices of course. I've contemplated upgrading to a side by side. Some awesome deals on craigs right now.
Quote:
IMO you would be lucky if you maged to get $4000 for it. You can buy a brand new 500 sportsman for $5000.
I can't justify taking that big of a hit on selling it.
Looks like I'm keeping it and will have to wait for a
Ranger with tracks!!
Quote:
I sold my 08-800 in mint condition, loaded with accesories and 1 year left on the extended warranty. I sold it for $5700...... if I was patient I could have probably gotten a few hundered more but I was itching for an 09-850 with power-steering.
If I were a rich man, daidle deedle daidle, daidle daidle
deedle daidle dum.
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Roofer
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If it's EFI, you can get a little more.
The 500 HO for $5,000 new is a carb model. The EFI is $500+ more.
I don't buy used, but I don't see a problem with it. There are many people out there who bought and either couldn't afford them or found out they didn't use them much. Plenty of deals out there with very low miles.
With anything fairly new and not sunk, the only problem may be a belt and clutch, which are cheap to fix. Maybe a battery too.
As for what to look for, I can't add much to what is already stated. Once you find your price range, look at quite a few of them. You'll get an idea on what to look for. I always look at the shafts and CV boots. If they look worn, you know the person didn't clean it up very good after riding in mud and weeds. I wouldn't buy anything that was stored outside either.
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09 Sportsman XP 850
07 Sportsman 500 EFI
09 Ram 3500
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Roofer
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Fishy.....can't believe you gave it away. Your machine was loaded and like brand new. I know the feeling of the "itch" though.
I get the itch every year about this time......I'm holding out another year though. 
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09 Sportsman XP 850
07 Sportsman 500 EFI
09 Ram 3500
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SomethingFishy
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Quote:
Fishy.....can't believe you gave it away. Your machine was loaded and like brand new. I know the feeling of the "itch" though.
I get the itch every year about this time......I'm holding out another year though.
I'm holding out too...... I would like to have a 2nd machine eventually but need to finish paying for the current one, I did buy the 5 year warranty on this one with the intention of keeping it long term and buying the 2nd machine in about 2 years. This one will be the dedicated tracked machine when the time comes.
Speaking of Tracks I listed my Polaris Prospector Pro Track Kit for sale today........ so if you know anybody looking for a set get in touch with me. I decided to buy a new set instead of buying mounting brackets for the XP  ........ if I don't sell them before winter I will put them on Wifey's machine......
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2009 Polaris Sportsman XP 850 EPS Mossy Oak
26" Maxxis Bighorns on 14" Black ITP SS 212 Wheels
Polaris Prospector Pro Tracks
Dual registered as a Class 1 ATV (tires) and a ORV(tracks)
2007 8x20 Toy-Hauler/Camper/Fish-House
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Suzuki
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Please tell me about your 850. I know wheelers so please be realistic. How is the power? Startling fast? Can you compare to an 800 Bombardier because I have at least driven one of them. Does it feel heavy or fairly nimble for a utility mahcine. Can you easily wheelie? I'm just very curios and will never get a chance to test one. Thanks.
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Mike
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Roofer
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I've only driven one 800 Outlander and it wasn't brand new. It was a 2006, I believe. It felt more like a toy compared to the 850. The Outlander seemed real quick down low, and felt like it ran out in mid range. The 850 just seems to keep pulling hard. Not quite the low end of the 800, but I think that is all in the clutching.
The Outlander also suffered in the corners. It dove terribly in the front end. Again, this wasn't a brand new machine, but I have heard similar complaints from Outty owners. The suspension in the Polaris 850 is the best I've ever ridden on. Very stable, very cushy, but yet sporty feeling for how heavy it is. You don't notice the weight like you do on the other sportsmans. The big, alternate firing twin helps with that also.
The Brute 750 I had actually "felt" faster, but in reality the 850 is quicker and MUCH more trail friendly. For trail riding, I wouldn't recommend another machine over the 850 XP. The 800 Outlander and 950 Cat are a little faster, but power does you no good if the handling sucks.
With all this said, I still wouldn't mind have an Outlander 800. It is just a little sportier than the Polaris. Just wish they had a better front suspension.
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09 Sportsman XP 850
07 Sportsman 500 EFI
09 Ram 3500
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Would you ever buy a used 4-Wheeler?
Re: Would you ever buy a used 4-Wheeler?
