best year polaris sportsman

sinners · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 08:26 PM

New to the forum, and atv riding for that matter. I've recently been doing some research and am ready to buy myself a new toy. I need:
-atv for hunting (deer/elk) in northern AZ [no need for heating]
-atv for trials (nothing too serious, mostly on the trials and some land that doesn't have too many cacti)

I went to the dealership here in AZ, after an hour i'm pretty sold on the 2011 500. I like it, seems like it will do all i need. I was also looking at a 2010 800 EFI but didn't feel like the extra grand or so would be worth it.
What do you guys think.
Also:
after calling 15 dealerships found the cheapest was 6,029 otd price. I've seen guys getting it for 5,500 but nowhere near where i can pick it up at and this dealer is fairly close. (4,999 for atv then tax and license). I think that seems fair.
Lastly, the added warranty? is it worth it and how much extra should it cost. Also should i try to bargain for the polaris winch(again what should i pay) or just go with an aftermarket. I've heard another brand (edit::warn) is the best and maybe i should just pick up a non dealer one in the next couple months.
Thanks for the help.

yote killer · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 08:30 PM

buy a cat they are cheaper and more reliable. check out the dealer in trf mn

sinners · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2011, 08:37 PM

I did look at a few artic cats. It seemed that the polaris was a bit better than them in a lot of reviews. Also, the msrp is the same (for a 450 articcat). Plus, i haven't known anyone who has had a cat but i have a few pals riding polarises(spelling plural?) up in NV and they swear by them.

**Bruce!** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2011, 05:06 AM

Welcome to the board!

bgirard420 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-07-2011, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yote killer

buy a cat they are cheaper and more reliable. check out the dealer in trf mn

I thought this was polarisatvforums not arcticchat?

Anyway, why would he want to buy from a dealer over 1000 miles away? Is he going to drive to thief river to get service too?

Welcome to the forum! The 500 HO and the 800 EFI are seriously different machines. I got HO becuase I didn't want any headaches from the EFI breaking but have since found that ethanol and carbs don't play nice together. It's actually takes a little more effort to keep the HO stored in between rides. Just my .02, good luck either way. BTW, if you have friends that ride PoPo, they might also have distinct tools and stuff you can borrow rather than having to buy your own, for instance a primary clutch puller or something.

jordaman17 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2011, 06:17 AM

arctic cats equal heavy and blown axels all the time.

sinners · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2011, 06:39 AM

I'm already sold on the polaris. After a little more research I am going to go with an aftermarket Warn winch. I was thinking the rt15 warn would be more than enough.

Any thoughts on the extended warranty? I will have insurance with col and comp coverage and a 250 deductible.

Chaotic · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2011, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinners

I'm already sold on the polaris. After a little more research I am going to go with an aftermarket Warn winch. I was thinking the rt15 warn would be more than enough.

Any thoughts on the extended warranty? I will have insurance with col and comp coverage and a 250 deductible.

I went with a 3 year extended warranty, i wanted to try and cover all my boundaries. If the ATV has a failure that is caused by a defect its covered for the length of my loan, and if i do something stupid on a trail and damage it i'm covered by insurance.