Looking for used utility ATV recommendations

[RedRocket204]

So, looking to see if a few of you can help share some of your expertise with general recommendations since I am a UTV/ATV noob. In about 6 months I will be looking to buy an atv, most likely used via private party. I am doing a bunch of online research but continually run into a lot of "what I bought is the best" mentality. In my area, it seems that right now is not the best time to buy used as hunting season is quickly approaching as well as winter. I also want additional "disposable" cash for the purchase.

Primary use for this machine will be utility, snow plow and towing using a rough-cut mowing deck on my property. Mowing deck will probably only be used twice a summer. Property is not huge but big enough for a riding mower and there is some off-camber sections but nothing significant. Area to be plowed is relatively flat but the bigger issue is right now it takes a while with my snow thrower. I figure if I buy the right machine and accessories, should help minimize time spent plowing/mowing. Using it for jeep trails/exploring will be something I would like to do but is not the priority (have to remember justification for the wife 😉 ). My house is at just under 8k ft. elevation and jeep trail elevations would exceed 11,500 ft.

I'd like to limit my budget at $6k. I also understand that it is recommended for plowing, to try and purchase a 500 (+) and make sure 4x4 is at least available. Obviously I would be looking for an utility model and not a sport model. Reliability is another priority. So, insight into different options and models are something I am asking about. I do understand FI and power steering might be nice but the cost starts going up for those options. Are they worth it and/or really needed are just some questions below:

FI?
PS?
Factory or aftermarket winch (for slow plow)?
Snow plow type recommendations?
At what point is mileage/hours an issue for reliability (if history for proper service has been followed)?

Used models that seem to come up and appear reliable, based upon noob research:

Honda Foreman
Yamaha Grizzly

Looking for additional model recommendations, thx.

[tmm2good]

Nice, should serve you well!

[RedRocket204]

Quick update...

Went ahead and pulled the trigger on a '07 Gizzly 700 FI/EPS with 1470 miles on her. Condition was very good and everything worked including the Warn winch. Paid $5300 private party which I believe is a good deal for this area.

Paint is a little funky but is starting to grow on me. Previous owner did a made for plastic custom paint job. He got a little over-spray in areas so I might clean that up a bit and maybe throw on some black splotches to add to the camo.

Now I just need to get myself a plow and I'll be set. Of course, if I want to have some exploring fun, I'll need to find a 2 place trailer, but that can wait.

Thanks to all who replied to this thread as the advice was helpful.

In her glory

[mr__old_style]

If I were you I would be looking at a "compact utility tractor" for what it sounds like you need it for, front end loader, bush hog, and maybe a snowblower and you'd be set to go!
As far as the atv, I feel at your elevation and cold weather FI is a must, PS steering would be great for turning with the plow hanging on front end. Yamaha's have locking diffs, and good cvt trannys. Hondas have a great rep, automotive type trannys. IRS is "must have" imo if your gonna do any trail riding, but if just plowing and mowing straight axle rear would be ok. Polaris had alot of issues with over heating if riding in mud, due to a low hanging radiator but have since repositioned the rad, and the issue seems to be improved. Comfort wise they probably have the best ride. Just one more opinion!

[Captain_Obvious]

I have a 2008 Honda Foreman 500. I put a snowplow on it in January. Mine is carbureted, electronic shift, no power steering. Plowing at 4500-5000 ft it does a great job. 4x4 is a must for snow plowing.

Up until I got the plow, I did only trail rides. I like being able to shift into a lower gear when needed. Not that it's not a speed demon.

The only time I wished I had fuel injection was when I was up at 10000ft - I noticed fuel consumption increased. The electronic shift is nice.

Power steering would be nice, but not a big deal. I picked up a tusk plow kit from Rocky Mountain atv and a cheap winch on amazon.

I have loved my machine since day 1. I actually bought it new (the ONLY vehicle I've bought new, got a great deal on it). Never any problems- just oil changes.

The Hondas also have a backup manual shifter and backup pull starter. The wrench for the shifter is under the seat, and the pull starter is behind a cover on the side.

[MTRhino]

For what you are wanting to use it for a UTV would be a better option, but will also cost more. I have a 2006 Yamaha Rhino, the last year of carburetors, that I have owned since new. It has over 4000 miles and is used to plow snow with a 5 foot Tusk plow, and mow with a 5 foot swischer mower. It has hauled wood, dirt, deer, elk and camping gear for all those miles with only a rear seal replacement, and us still running the factory belt. It was used for trail riding until I got a 2011 Polaris 800 RZR that is a ton of fun but not a plow or mower friendly machine. I would definitely consider rhino or Polaris ranger that is a 500 or larger with fuel injection. Power steering would be good too but has just recently been available in UTV's so might be out of your price range. I plow over a 1/2 mile of drive plus around my shop and garage and after a 10 to 12 inch snowfall can complete the job in less than 2 hours. One last thing to consider is both of these UTV's have differential lock on both ends and a seat the wife can ride in comfortably. Oh yeah, you can also put a cab on it if she doesn't like the wind in her hair.

[rayford118]

at least down here, the reason people price them so high is because they think all of the extras they have added on are worth that much. now in some cases for the right buyer, that might be the case but for the most part those accessories will not add value. if the bikes you are looking at are bone stock then i do not know why they would price them so high.

[David_L6]

RedRocket204 wrote:
And on the EPS...I keep hearing the same thing that users do really like it. 🙂

I've owned two without EPS and one with EPS (currently own one of each). I didn't think EPS would be that big a deal. After trying it I won't buy another without it.

Must haves for me: EPS, FI, IRS, and two cylinders.

[RedRocket204]

tmm2good wrote:
Yup. :? I wonder if it is because they buy new with very little down and have big loans against them?

Possibly.

I look at it this way...the product is worth what it is worth and someone else's financial irresponsibility is not my problem.

May take longer to find the right deal but I refuse to overpay, especially for used product.

And on the EPS...I keep hearing the same thing that users do really like it. 🙂

[tmm2good]

RedRocket204 wrote:
I am seeing a lot of used ATV, all kinds of models, where the private party listed price is at less than $1000 under new model MSRP. Seems for a $9k ATV, I could go into a dealer and buy brand new at least $1000 under MSRP. Am I assuming wrong?

Do people really believe their used ATVs are holding that much value?

Yup. :? I wonder if it is because they buy new with very little down and have big loans against them?

[coolbreeze01]

I thought EPS was just an unnecessary gimmick until I bought a quad with it. In our group, 3 have sold good quads just to get new ones with EPS. Especially plowing snow, I bet you would enjoy it.
Test drive some new rigs with and without, and let us know.....Also there should be deals on 13's with 14's showing up. Have fun.

[RedRocket204]

I do like the sounds of EPS but not sure if I am willing to spend the extra coin for it. I have set my budget and will wait until the right deal comes around but it seems difficult to look for a +500cc engine with both FI and EPS as well as independent rear suspension while coming in under $6k where the ATV does not have a lot of miles.

Add to that, the Grizzly 700 FI is something that is high on the list right now. I haven't seen a used private party Grizzly 700 FI EPS under $8200 yet, but again, hunting season so probably not the best time in terms of pricing.

Something I'll throw out...it seems pricing for used ATVs is very high. I am seeing a lot of used ATV, all kinds of models, where the private party listed price is at less than $1000 under new model MSRP. Seems for a $9k ATV, I could go into a dealer and buy brand new at least $1000 under MSRP. Am I assuming wrong?

Do people really believe their used ATVs are holding that much value?

[Stick218]

My wife and I have been riding sport quads for awhile now and just got our first utility quad early this year. We have a 2011 Polaris Sportsman Touring 850 2up. I will say it is a beast of a machine. You can remove the rear seat and add storage boxes or whatever you like. It will mow, or you can add a snow plow for plowing.

Our 850 has power steering. It is a awesome feature. Your shoulders and arms don't take as much of a beating when riding because the machine absorbs the shock. I highly recommend this feature. Several manufacturers offer this not just Polaris.

We haven't had any issues with our Polaris. Just general maintenance so far, and a CVT belt replacement at 2000miles.

[rayford118]

I would keep Polaris, Can Am, Yamaha, and then Honda on the short list. Honda makes some good machine but they are a little dated on features if you care about that. I prefer a bike with Fuel Injection and Indepedent Rear Suspension. Much softer ride and you dont have to worry about rejetting at different elevations with FI. Im partial to Polaris, but any of these would get the job done.

[nevadanick]

In my opinion you cant beat a Honda 300 Rancher. I have plowed snow for hours on end with one and i have worked at a Honda dlr, actually it was multi line dealer with all brands. The 300 is the most versatile, reliable machine they make.