Educate me on ATV's, quads

[Ridgeratt]

Here's a 520 in Ellensburg.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/snd/d/kittitas-new-honda-pioneer-520-side-by/7780375479.html

[300rum]

I have a 420 Rancher, same as below.  I use it every single day, feeding, moving wheel lines, K-Line, moving cows, it saves me so much.  It's a 2016, never had a problem with it.  I change the oil and diff fluid once a year, have a Warn plow mounted on it for winter.  Fits in a Short bed pickup that has a tool box when the tailgate is down.  It does everything I need and nothing I don't need. 

A new one may be closer to $6-7000, but a Honda Rancher sounds like a great fit for you. They come with a fuel injected 420cc engine that has a flawless reputation. Mine starts easy in 0deg or 100deg. 4x4 works great, easy maintenance, shaft drive. You can get one thats pretty plain, or loaded with options. Mine is pretty plain, foot shift, and 4x4 being its only options. Looking back, having one with a odometer/speedometer would have been really nice. Hope you find the quad that you are looking for!

[baldopepper]

We have two yamaha big bear 400"s. Both over 20 years old and still work great.  We really only use for game retrieval and running from the house down to the lake. Used them in all kinds of weather and both have been rolled, tipped back over and drove em away (minus a rotator cuff on 1 roll over)  ss  are nice I guess, but just to much money for another toy for me.  Lot of the orv trails in Utah are now gated so you  can get a narrow quad thru but not a ss.

[outdooraddict]

We have two yamaha big bear 400"s. Both over 20 years old and still work great.  We really only use for game retrieval and running from the house down to the lake. Used them in all kinds of weather and both have been rolled, tipped back over and drove em away (minus a rotator cuff on 1 roll over)  ss  are nice I guess, but just to much money for another toy for me.  Lot of the orv trails in Utah are now gated so you  can get a narrow quad thru but not a ss.

i agree with the older big bear. i have a 350 big bear and i feel they are bomb proof. the criteria i would add if your getting a quad, would be a pull start in addition to a electric start. you dont want a dead battery in the woods and now backup option. i think the 95 big bear is electric start only. for what your criteria is, you easily can find a quality machine. i just sold a 2005 rhino sxs for 5k, not the prettiest but they are out there. i would def check out the honda rancher or Forman's, i had a 2002 suzuki vinson 500, was a great machine, should never have sold it. your criteria was similar to mine, front and back racks, 4 wheel drive, backup pull start, and a light.  pretty basic and simple. one thing to watch for on the honda is the fuel filter. when that thing clogs, your not moving.

[Angus]

I'd like to thank everyone for the great info so far, also, what are your thoughts on Bombardier? seem to be a few around that meet my criteria, I've heard of the brand but don't have any experience with them or know anyone who has.

[timberhunter]

I’ve got a 420 rancher and really like it. The biggest reason I went with a Honda was they were the only machine I was aware of that was a manual, which I wanted. I had an older 660 grizzly and was not a fan of the transmission. The Honda doesn’t have the miles the Yamaha had on it yet but so far I feel like it’s a lot better machine.

[Gentrys]

It really depends on the year of production with all manufacturers.  Back when I bought 2 Polaris 500s in 2004, they had a great reputation.  I still have both of them.  Replaced belts, brakes and general maintenance.  No major issues with either.  Would definitely buy again if I had it to do all over again.  Enough room to ride double when needed.  Super-reliable and big enough to haul an elk back to camp when needed.

[Happy Gilmore]

Sxs 700 cc absolute minimum. Old 250 Honda ranchers are awesome.

Or my built canam desert go fast. Rides better at 70mph than any small thing at 25mph

[WapitiTalk1]

Stay away from the Polaris RZRs unless u like sucking in dust.

[Mudman]

Based on your description, Honda 420 perfect for you and budget.  But I will add you are likely to want to step up in future to a SXS.  Power steering is desirable but not required on a lighter 420.  Bigger heavier atv PS is NEEDED imop.