Need advice on going the used route

[Nimrod]

I come seeking guidance from those in the know! For some reason I’ve been bitten by the ATV bug, now as much as I’d love to simply go buy the 2012 Sportsman 400 @ $5299 plus tax I saw today, the economy has me worried, so I am considering starting out with a used ATV.

Anyway, I’ve been investigating these things for a few weeks and find that the Sportsman 400/500 model seems to suit me. This atv won’t get heavy use, mainly around my yard and occasionally hauled to an ATV park just several miles away. I won’t be racing, plowing, or hauling. I’m not worried about its top end.

I have two Polaris dealers each about 12 miles away from me. One has a used 2004 Sportsman 500 available. I went to look at it briefly today and took some photos which I hope you will take a look at.

Sportsman pictures by sand413 - Photobucket

It could probably use a good cleaning, it has 525 miles on the clock, the plastics look pretty good to me (nothing cracked). It has a Warn 2500 winch.

Its price is $3200. NADA average retail w/o the winch is $2485, with winch $2712. Kelley says $3455.

The dealer says it has all been checked out and everything works- sooooo.. would this be a safe alternative to breaking the bank for a new one? I am pretty mechanically inclined should something come up if that’s any help.

I’ve already learned plenty on this great forum, so I thank you for any possible help on my dilemma.

[Dbez1]

First of all, let's look at it financially: an eight year old bike vs. a brand new one for $1800 difference. That alone makes the case for the new one. Also, there are undoubtedly many refinements on the 2012. In addition to this, you really don't know how the 04 was treated or broken in. I have bought many used bikes over the years with varying degrees of success, but with such little difference in price I wouldn't take a chance on the used one. Just my opinion. Good luck!

[SMP63]

Welcome to the forum!! The bike looks ok Except it looks like the rear has NEW A-arms on it. The red a-arms stick out like a sore thumb. With only 525 miles on it makes me wonder what happend to the wheeler to require new ones. That's the problem with buying used wheelers you don't know how the PO treated or maintained it.

[Educ8r]

I have an 05 500ho (I bought used 2 years ago) which I really love. A friend bought a new 500 a couple months ago and to me it does not seem to be as well built as my 05. Regarding the red A-arms, I have seen machines with red A-arms before, SMP63 are you sure these aren't factory?

Good luck with your decision.

[X2rider]

I agree with SMP63, spend the extra 2K and get one that you know hasnt been abused and comes with a warranty, the older ones are stout, but if it wasnt taken care of before then you will br repairing often and riding less.... just my .02. Hope it helps!

[cwlongshot]

WELCOME!!

Its a personal decision... the 500 is a good machine, but got some very nice upgrades in 2005, then again more recently. Personally, I would go for the new machine, these Polaris machines hold there value and when maintained WILL last a lifetime. But if you spend some time reading you will see the complaints. Some people have real honest problems and this happens regardless of manufacturer. But left in neglect they have problems. There is no way to know the degree of this neglect unless you completely tear down the machine. You have no way of knowing if the perv owner had a 14year old who whipped the piss out of the machine every chance dad was not watching...

For my $$ its a small price to pay for my sanity. I would buy the new machine OR maybe a newer machine.. Have you looked for any left over model year machines?

Good luck,' CW

[SMP63]

Originally Posted by Educ8r

I have an 05 500ho (I bought used 2 years ago) which I really love. A friend bought a new 500 a couple months ago and to me it does not seem to be as well built as my 05. Regarding the red A-arms, I have seen machines with red A-arms before, SMP63 are you sure these aren't factory?

Good luck with your decision.

I find it strange the rear ones ONLY red. If it was Factory seems like the front
ones would also be red. Yes I agree have seen different colored a-arms as well but usually all 4 if factory!

[Country]

Nimrod, (funny user name )Welcome!
I agree with most who have posted. While the used machine you're considering looks pretty good in the photos, you never really know what you're getting yourself into by buying used. I've been burnt a lot over the years when buying used. Also, have you every watched the Youtube videos on ATV's?... Look at the way people treat their machines. That alone should steer you away...

The difference in price between new and used is substantial if you consider new would cost you roughly 66% more money.... The idea of finding a leftover '11 is a good one due to the Polaris's clearance promotion going on now. One plus of buying new (besides the obvious) is the ability to finance. Rates are good now (especially on '11's) and the payment on a new 400 or 500 would be low. Even with the 66% difference in cost, I still think you'd be money, peace of mind and overall enjoyment ahead of the game going that route.

Good luck on whatever you decide!

[Hawkeye 007]

My dealer uses NADA not Kelly blue. I would use NADA to dicker with, and if the dealer feels so strongly about how good the condition the bike is in, then he shouldn't have a problem giving you a 90 day warranty. That would give you time to find any bugs. If not, I would go new. I would only buy used if I personally knew the owner and how he cared for his bike, or if the bike were pristine. That's my 2 cents.

[bobx2]

Hard to tell for sure since just looking at pictures, but if it only has 525 miles on it, it looks like they were pretty hard miles. My three machines all have (had) quite a few more miles than that on them and no where near that amount of scuffs. The large, deep scratches and scuffs on the sides of the rear racks would cause me some concern as to how much time this machine spent on its sides vs on it's wheels.