Considering an older Sportsman 700

[94fordguy]

So I've got an '08 scrambler 500 4x4 that does good, but I am throwing around the idea of getting a second machine so I can take my dad along from time to time. I've been looking on Craigslist and a 2003 Sporstman 700 has caught my eye. I don't know much about Sportsmans and have only been quadding for about 2 years.

Is the 2003 700 Sportsman a decent unit? The ad says "2003 Polaris Sportsman 700. 4x4, warn winch, new battery, excellent condition, 530 original miles. "

Any idea what a reasonable price would be for a machine like this?

About all we do for riding around here is gravel road/dirt trail riding and a few weekends of light mudding in the fall when the lake goes down.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[94fordguy]

Nobody has any experience or thoughts on a unit like this?

[racer37l]

I'll try this one. I have a '07 sportsman 800 that I've had for almost 3 years now with very little breakage( mostly just routine maintainance ). Just treat this venture as you would any other when buying a used vehicle ( check everything twice or until your satisfied). As for the price, I'm really not the right one to answer that. Imo, for what you are going to do with it you will be more than satisfied. Hope this helps

[muddslinger]

ill sell you my 04 sportsman. Its in the classifieds

[meow194]

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[cwlongshot]

Sorry, I cannot help you with that particular machine.
But I also recently picked up a used 700. I bought mine from a dealer cause most of what I looked at in the private sector left me worrying about how the machine was treated. I lucked into a 2007 with less than 50 miles with all the accessories I wanted for a good price, so I jumped on it.

I read everything I could find on the Polaris 700's. I could fine zero negatives with the EFI's like mine and only carb related minor problems with carbureted versions like the '03 your looking at. I noticed many are used in the mud. I saw some belt related problems as well, but discounted these to bigger tires and the mud. Even these problems left me wondering if operator error was the cause of the issues. I run fuel treatment in all gasoline's for my small engines. Lawn mowers, trimmers, my boat and ATV all receive the treatment and I have had zero fuel related problems for many years.

Look it over as closely as you can. Ride and run the motor and make your decision on what you see.
Good luck,
CW

[polman500]

If you're looking on Craigslist, do a search for "polaris sportsman" in your area and all surrounding areas for couple hundred miles. That should give you a fair idea of the going price in your area. You might also try atvtraderonline.com for prices. Then if you go to look at it take a flash light and a jack. Look it over closely for leaks, brake pads, tires, bent or broken stuff, quiz the owner about maintenance and repairs. You can usually tell if someone is being evasive with their answers. Pop the seat off and check the air filter. Someone who takes care of a machine won't let the filter get very dirty and the inside of box should be fairly clean too. Look for fresh grease around fittings and bushings and check the oil to see how clean it is and the level is right. Jack it up on both ends to check bearings, tie rods, A arm bushings and ball joints for play. If the owner has nothing to hide he won't mind this a bit. You could also get the VIN# and have a local dealer run it to check the history if ya want. Finally, ride it more than just around the yard. You should be able to hear, feel, or see any major probs within a couple miles.
An 03 700 in good condition with no major probs should be worth anywhere from 3k-5k according to accessories, tires, mods and cosmetics.

[BigMoFo]

Originally Posted by 94fordguy

So I've got an '08 scrambler 500 4x4 that does good, but I am throwing around the idea of getting a second machine so I can take my dad along from time to time. I've been looking on Craigslist and a 2003 Sporstman 700 has caught my eye. I don't know much about Sportsmans and have only been quadding for about 2 years.

Is the 2003 700 Sportsman a decent unit? The ad says "2003 Polaris Sportsman 700. 4x4, warn winch, new battery, excellent condition, 530 original miles. "

Any idea what a reasonable price would be for a machine like this?

About all we do for riding around here is gravel road/dirt trail riding and a few weekends of light mudding in the fall when the lake goes down.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I have an 02 700 that I love, I paid 3000 for it. It has around 500 miles on it now and just like buying anything 8 years old and used, somethings gonna wear out or break, u-joints in my case, but other than that its been a great machine. It is a big machine and after a long day of riding you can really feel it in your shoulders from steering it, but if I ever had a chance to do it all over again, I personally would

[scottdeet]

Originally Posted by 94fordguy

Any idea what a reasonable price would be for a machine like this?

Thanks

This is according to the Kelly Blue Book retail price for my zip code area.

2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 4x4 Motorcycle Retail Value & Price - Kelley Blue Book