Beginner ATV

[mrallen]

I've researched ATV's for about 2 months. I've never owned an ATV before even though I've wanted one since I was a kid. Now with a little bit of land and children of my own, it's time to take that step. I went into this process with a completely open mind. I've been to dealers for nearly every major brand and have read review after review online. I like the Suzuki line-up and they seem to make a quality machine but my first choice is Polaris (obviously since I'm here). As stated earlier, I'm a beginner with virtually no mechanical abilities aside from the basic maintenance required. My buying process has come down to reliability, price, and usefulness. I need something that can plow a little snow, do some light trail riding, haul some wood, and perform general service to my property. My budget is TBD because I still need to put away a couple grand more before making my purchase in the next few months but I'd say it would be no more than $7000 and that is pushing it. Will the 500 HO meet my requirements or should I push the budget to the absolute max and get the 550? Keep in mind that my budget will need to include a snow blade.

The local dealer has the 500 HO for $5199 and the 550 for $6399. It seems that these prices are decent but not great.

Any advice is appreciated. Like I said, I'm brand new to this. I just want to make the right choice because my wife won't allow for a re-do.

[crimson850]

Im actually selling my 2010 Polaris 850XP EPS for 7500..if your interested

[racer37l]

Sounds like you're on the right track.

The 500 HO has been in production for a while now.

The 550 has been around long enough for Polaris to work all the bugs out. It's the new line of bikes they make(XP).

Either one will be a sweet ride!!

Good luck!

[crimson850]

Yea you wont go wrong with the 550. its the same as the 850 exactly, other than the motor

[mrallen]

The dealer said the 500 will plow snow but he just wants to make a sale. Will it struggle to handle wet Ohio snow? He said the 400 would be good too. And for $600 less and only 40cc difference that might be an option too.

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!

[Razorback]

Can't go wrong with the 500 HO. That motor is part of what has made polaris so great in the last decade or so. It's strong, reliable, and easy to work on. It'll more than handle all of your needs. I haven't looked at new prices in about 2 years, but around 5k sounds about right for the 500. Last time I checked, the local price was 4900 out the door.

[pjmartin]

The 500HO has more than enough grunt in low gear. I load mine with enough food, booze, outboard, gas and equipment for a 7-day fishing trip to a very isolated lake in northern Quebec. Unbelievable where these things can go. I'm new to this game too and it scares me sometimes. It's 11 years old, has 13k miles and works like a dream. Very reliable if properly maintained.

[mrallen]

I think the 500 is the way I'm going. It should do all I need with ease. So when is the best time to buy? I've bought lots of cars and if this is anything like that I would think when the new models come out, old ones get marked down.

[stefanj]

500 will more than push the snow you want. I live in the western new york snowbelt so I understand the term LAKE EFFECT and I plow with my 330! The real limiting factor to plowing snow is not how heavy it is but how deep it is. THese machines are light enough and powerful enough to spin the wheels and dig themselves into deep ruts. THey like to float a bit so the trick is to NOT try to spin (i.e. use low gear) and to not be OVERLY aggresive with plow size. I also use tire chains on my back tires- and it helps a TON (I was able to stack the snow over 6 feet high last winter!) I have used both the manual lift and my winch. If you have the means GO WITH THE WINCH- it makes life (not to mention your shoulder) much better.