Looking to buy my first ATV

[defleppardsg]

Hello, new to the forum here.

I'm getting serious about buying my first ATV,and I'm looking at a Polaris Sportsman 400 HO. I chose it because I've always kind of liked the way Polaris ATV's look, they've got a good reputation, the value seems to be the best of all the ATV's out there. I chose this model, because it's probably the cheapest new model that still seems to have a lot of power, ride quality, and ground clearance.

Before now, I have a little experience screwing around on a Kawasaki Bayou, and a 2WD Honda Rancher. Fun, but if I'm going to buy my own, I want enough power and size to have someone on the back and still be relativeley powerful and nimble. The only thing that I wasn't in love with on the Polaris's is that the 4wd is not selectable, it engages on it's own. And it doesn't have a locking differential?

Are my assumptions accurate or do I have my information confused? Will this 400HO fit my needs? Should I not go for a brand new one for my first machine?? Figured I'd get on here and get the facts first.

Thanks in advance.

[maverick11]

A few thoughts...
1. I have owned everything but a suzuki. All have their pro's and con's, but I am very happy with my polaris and would buy polaris over and over again.

2. I own a 500, but have rode with someone who has a 400. It had good power, but if you can spend just a little more, I would go for a 500. Up to an 800 would be a big price jump, but if you want to ride two people, the 500 will give you what you are looking for. Or even try a 2up model.

3. When the AWD is on, it will engage only when it needs to, but I can tell you, unless there is something mechanically wrong, I have never had a situation in which I did not have more tires spinning when I needed them. Also, a differential lock is not needed because the polaris is true 4x4 when it engages... all 4 spin at the same time. IMO it is the best 4x4/ AWD system on the market.

But it is your machine so get what makes you happy... oh, and the new vs. used is up to you. I have owned new and used and have been happy. Buy new and you know everything that has ever happened to the machine. Do your research and know what to look for, used might be the way to go. Good luck.

[OK550Touring]

If you think you may be riding 2 up, even some of the time, it may be worth looking into a machine designed for two people. In many areas of public land you can not ride two up on a machine designed for one person.

My 550 touring easily converts to a one up seating when riding solo.

[AmazonHunter]

I just purchased my first ATV back in November of 2011. Just a couple of months ago. It pays to do alot of price searching. If you can find a dealer in your area that sells high volume then they will most likely be the best price. I got a 2012 Sportsman 550 camo for just over $7100. Of course that was the bare bones machine without the accessories that I added. It did come with a free 2500lb. winch though. I am very happy with my machine and can't say enough about it. I too was trying to save a few dollars but in the long run I bought what I wanted and am very happy that I did. Yes I would have been happier with an 850 model but I think that the 550 is all that I need and will do all that I ask it to do. Goodluck with your decision.

[factionfx]

I'd go with the 500 as well. The couple extra ponies will be appreciated in the right circumstances, and there isn't much of a jump in price.

I just got my rear seat/box mounted. (the good one from ATV superstore). I have been working an adjusting the suspension in mine, etc. With the box and front suspension mods, i am +500 in my bike. So, if your truck/trailer fits an X2/touring (they are about 10 inches longer), I would go for that. They will be more stable on the trail than a 500 with a box on it just because of the length. I get to try my box out this weekend. I'm really looking forward to it

Dealer markup is about 5-600$ on these value machines, and there is currently a 400$ rebate. So you should be able to get one for for 800-1000 below msrp.

I paid 250 above dealer cost....It definitely paid to shop around.

Good luck.