should I trade my xplorer 400 for a Magnum 500?

[ponchonutty]

Some of you have helped me get my bike started which is a 2001 Xplorer 400 with about 1500 miles on it. It's got a lot of maintenance issues that I've been working on with one being electrical. Finally got it running but still need to buy a few parts such as a new on/off switch, new cooling fan, both tranny switches, and possibly front hubs (they won't lock in 4wd). I had a call from a guy who wants mine and his buddy has a 2002 Magnum 500 that is perfect but the rear axel is broken in 2 and rear pinion/carrier is bad. He said he'd buy his buddys and then swap for mine. Now, I will be able to keep the plow and winch (which I wonder if I can use it on the Magnum???) Would this be a good swap? I only plan to use the bike for yardwork and snow plowing. Thoughts????

[4getful2]

the parts you listed for the 400 can be had on e-bay or even craigslist.
1500 miles is not much on the drivetrain

All that's wrong with the 500 is a broken rear axle and carrier,yea right.

If you are wits end or are just plain tired of working on the 400 ,sell it and buy a sportsman with independent rear suspension,that way you really FEEL like you traded up,

[ponchonutty]

Yeah, my thoughts were on that as well. Just about like what I got on the Xplorer!

[blueline15]

if the guy broke the rear axle i would want to know exactly how, and wonder about frame damage, ect.

i think you would just be trading one headache that you know where you are at and what still needs to be done for another headache that you will have to learn all over again

[ponchonutty]

Yes, I too want more info with what happened on the other quad. On mine, I just look at it and see what's all wrong and wonder if its worth messing with. Heck, you can shift it into gear with out shutting it off if you have it in nuetral too.

[Beenthere]

Don't trade one problem for another.
At least you know what yours had been through and by the sounds of it, you're almost through fixing your quad. If you really want to be rid of it, I would do what 4getful2 had suggested and get a Sportsman. You'll be much more happier with Sportsman!
Just my thoughts!

[ponchonutty]

Thanks for the input but I am on a seriously tight budget. If I could get my hands on a working on/off switch so I can properly go through the whole electricals it'd help make my mind up. I've just got to get things together. I wish parts weren't so hard and expensive to come by for this thing!