[603ATV]

Hey all,

I've always wanted to ride and I've decided to finally purchase a machine. I'm looking for something for exploring my local trail system as well as my own property.

I know I want to do as little damage to the trails as possible, this machine will be more for exploration than thrills, and definitely not for mud bogging.

I probably want 4x4 but I'm not sure about this. I will also occasionally use the machine for utility tasks around the property, so racks or a hitch would be a bonus.

That said, I also don't want to get something too weak, or that will get stuck often. My snowmobile is an 800 so I'm used to a fair amount of power.

I've read that the old Hondas are reliable, quality machines, if I could find one in my budget (currently tight). Could one of these machines do what I need, or should I open up to considering other brands as well?

Can I even find a decent running machine for this price?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[retro]

Depending on your location and local markets you might find a decent machine in your price range, maybe even for less. It might take some time to find the bike you are looking for. Sometimes the more time and effort put into searches, the more lucky you seem to get...! Welcome to the forums!

 

[alloutdoors]

I think you would have to search far and wide plus be lucky to find something in that price range. An older 4 wheel drive nice unit around here is minimum $2-2500 with more being closer to $3K.

 

[Goober]

In my area for $1000 you’re only likely to find a non-running atv but only the rare Honda.
Maybe a 4x4; trikes all over for that.

In my area most running 4x4 ATVs start at $1800 and they’re in fair to poor condition

I say do your homework on models and features, decide which atv is for you then look for that one. You may have to ride a few.

 

[bullfoot]

You may be able to get away with a 2x4 if you aren't mud bogging and will still rely on the snowmobile in winter. It will certainly lower the pricepoint and may allow you to get a bike in better condition, unless you love working on things in your garage.

I would check craigslist and facebook marketplace often. I have been looking for a small bike for my kid and those places seem to have lower prices than anywhere else I have looked.

 

[farmer002]

I considered myself lucky when I found my 86 trx350 4x4 for $200 only needing minor repairs. I think I'm still under $500 right now with a couple more things to get.

Also lucky with my 93 trx300fw for $550 that I saved from my brother's 4 boys. They gave it one hell of a beat down but I think I got it in time.

Let your freinds know what you're looking for and keep watching the ads. As long as you don't mind a bit of wrenching you'll find something.

As far as other brands? There aren't too many of the older ones out there since they didn't hold up to well.

I think if you want power and traction an older 350 or 300 with some bigger tires will serve you well.

 

[farmer002]

I think you would have to search far and wide plus be lucky to find something in that price range. An older 4 wheel drive nice unit around here is minimum $2-2500 with more being closer to $3K.

Where are you located if you don't mind me asking?

 

[dr. feelgood]

Around here you could find an old 350 or possibly a 300 2wd for around a grand. Fourtrax 200/250 2wd are usually in that range also.

Rob

 

[_Wilson_]

^^^^^I'd have to agree, it's about the same in these parts and 300s are. Very popular around here, and farmer makes a great point, get the word out your looking for honda utility atv machine, just see what comes up, plus another good place is pawn shops I've run accross a few, descent machines (posted some here in the forums)

 

[KBacon]

If you are looking at older ATVs which can normally be found in that price range.. I would make sure to steer away from older Polaris & Can Am (Bombardier) ATVs... they are plagued w/ problems and they don't make parts for them anymore... When I used to sell Polaris/Can Am.. we had all kinds of people come in looking for parts.. and they just weren't available ANYWHERE anymore!!! Heard "Well it would be a good ATV if I could just get this one part (that's not available)!!!"

The Japanese brands don't have to come out w/ new models every year to keep the customers buying.. People tend to hold onto them for a long time due to their high reliability... and the Jap brands tend to keep the same or very similar models from year to year.. and they continue to make parts for a long time!!! So Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, & Suzuki would be my go to brands... and due to their reliability tend to go for a little more $$$... even on the older models... Another good option might be an older Arctic Cat... the older ones used Suzuki engines... my buddy has an older one that I just replaced all the ball joints and suspension bushing & wheel bearings.. but the drive train seem to hold up really well... but there's always a deal to be found if you look hard enough or are really patient!!!

Depending on what kind of use you have in mind for the ATV.. you might also look into a 2wd sport quad ATV... they tend to go for $1500-2500.. but have normally been ridden VERY HARD.. and may need more work than you are prepared for.

 

[SamUK]

2wd and add a winch, just incase. That IMO would be your cheapest option, Trx300 or Trx250a, both solid machines that have stood the test of time. Maybe a Yamaha Moto4 would do the job too, I’ve owned one and can’t grumble, was reliable.

 

[ChadM1Garand]

I recently jumped on a 2002 rancher 350 4x4 for $450. I couldn't believe it, and I couldnt get the money out fast enough to pay the man. I haven't stopped spending money since. I'll have $2k in it before it's functional, doing all the work myself, and it will still look rough to the eye. Beat to death but it was all there and half ran. I don't mind the work but I won't recoup the money if I ever sold it. At some point, it's better to spend more and get more. That point is up to each person to decide.