05-07 Rhinos Advice needed.

I have an 06 with 6k miles on it, has been a very reliable unit.

Upgrades: I would definately find one with long travel if nothing more than the added rollover stability it provides. They ride much better too. Cdi unit and a nice set of aftermarket seats.

Only issues I've had are a couple fuel filter changes, cracked exhaust, rewelded and still running it but dont think it was a very good design. Getting ready to install 3 belt, have never lost one yet. And a cv boot that is under the exhaust, can get hard and crack because of heat from exhaust.

It's not the fastest or most capable unit out there but has been a pleasure and very inexpensive to own.

I carry basic tools, spare tire, fuel filter, tire plugs and small compressor and a tow strap. It has never let me down.

05-07 Rhinos are carbeurated, so altitude above 5000' does sometimes come in to play. As far as spares, a belt, a spark plug, and a fuel filter will get you running most of the time. If you are looking at used, pull the air filter, under the cowl between the seats, and wipe a clean white rag down inside the intake pipe running to the carb. That will give you a good guess if it has inhaled dirt. Good shocks are more important than long travel, but all of it combined helps ride and handling. Also on the earlier Rhino, it lacked reverse power, and a CDI helped that and starting. Also the earlier Rhino only ran a rear brake off the driveline ahead of the rear end, and that also doubled as your e- brake. They always tend to chatter or growl there when glazed. Unless it is tricked out engine and clutch wise, you'll only see about 36-40 mph out of it. The back seat configured Rhinos were grandfathered in if built before 1/2013. Anything after that has to be factory purposed 4 seat.

Huh. I will try to avoid any brand discussion and stick to the normal stuff. I will tell you that I would not buy a USED RZR, too many that people let sand/dirt into them. I changed the air filter design before it touched dirt. That said the Polaris is the performance winner every day.

1. Be aware that an attempt has been made to outlaw the 4 seat conversion in CA. and may or may not be enforced where you ride. If you want one that holds 4 people buy one that was made that way, a number of MFR's make them.
2. On an 05-07 I would be worried about total miles and how much dirt the thing has eaten. Ask about air filter maintenance, you want to hear that they maintained that frequently.
3. Spare belts are always good to have, so is a simple tire repair kit. I have full spares in the bottom of the trailer storage, on the trail a repair kit should be enough unless you are REALLY far from camp. Some basic tools are useful on the trail.
4. 4 or 5 point harnesses are a must. The MFR's don't put them in but I would not ride without one, I have met people who are no longer with us for lack of a harness.
5. In CA. helmets are the law so that won't play into the discussion.
6. Check the dedicated forums, I could point you to the RZR one but there is one for every brand.
7. I would recommend long travel for the deserts, especially on a used machine.
8. I'm pretty sure those years not fuel injected which makes them a little cranky in the cold. Less of an issue in the low desert but it can make them harder to start in the high desert.

Good Luck!