Which 4-Wheeler?

Rather than cry over a spilled lake(L Lanier), I thought I might get a used 4-wheeler and do some exploring. This area became Lake Lanier in the '50s after the completion of Buford dam. the Corps did an extensive survey and then purchased the land between 'here and there' and below a certain elevation. Anyway, there's an old community down there that is starting to rise again. The grandstands from the old lanier raceway have already made the local paper and who knows what's to come.

My question is which one to buy? I have a fair bit of experience with dirt bikes from years ago but none with these. From what I've seen, I think I want the rancher type with 4wd and the storage racks. I'd also like to have room for Ms. Buffalo, and I don't even know if these are set up for two people. Are there any particular makes or models that are known for their quality?

Thanks in advance!
Greg

I'm sure that is nice, but it's out of my price range. I'd like to find a decent used one for < $3000. I saw a polaris on craigs list for $2350, but I don't know anything about polaris.

Greg
Polaris makes nice sleds but I've not heard good things about their quads. I'm on my second 350 Honda Rancher and it's been great. My first one, a Honda Fourtrax, which was stolen 2 years ago, I got for free. It was owned by a local snow ski resort and was driven hard. It lasted them 10 years and I had it 5. I know someone will pipe in about Jap crap, but they make a great Quad. You shouldn't have trouble finding a good one for under $3000.
Steve

Four trax are good reliable quads. A good friend of mine has one and my neighbor has a 4x4 that I used to take back in my woods. He also had a polaris both ran and worked good. Polaris quads have a lower resale or they did when I used to look at them so you can probably come up with one of those cheaper and theres always arctic cat. Either way you look at a quad they really arent made for passengers because of the back fenders soo Ms. Buffalo will just have to get comfortable haha. 350 should be enough power they will run like 55 or 60 on the road.

    I worked on metric bikes for 10 years.Honda Rancher 350 is a great rig for the money.Probably the best bang for the buck.I would only consider the Honda or a Yamaha as far as reliability and fit/finish.The Hondas are usually more complicated to work on,though.I have always owned Yamahas and had zero complaints ,but recently fell into a 2003 Polaris 600.It has all kinds of power and tons of clearance,but it is a complete POS compared to a Yamaha or Honda.If someone gave me a free Arctic cat 4 wheeler,I would return the favor and give it to someone else(no offense to anyone who owns one.)
   Used ones usually hold there value very well if they are taken care of,so be careful buying used and paying too much....The powersports industry is upside down and some of the new ones can be bought very reasonable with low or no interest financing,full warranty,new toy smell,etc.Be careful and do your homework....There is nothing worse than taking your wife out for a ride and having to walk out of the woods!

    Mike

05 210 wrote: There is nothing worse than taking your wife out for a ride and having to walk out of the woods!

We're gonna ride the shoreline and look for old CC's!    I found a .22 pistol when I was a kid looking for money-back bottles.

Seriously, thanks for the info. These last few posts have what I needed to know. How is the industry upside down? You almost said I should buy new...are there any major tech improvements since the 350 rancher? Or maybe I should ask if there are any features that are 'must have'?
Thanks again!

BuffaloBFN
I bought my 350 Rancher 4x4 as a last years (2005) in December of 2005 for $3999 + the prep and tax which took it up to about $4700. The local dealer had some great end-of-the-year deals.
Like the others have said, it isn't made for two people, but we occasionally run two. I can probably top out at 40mph, but have not needed the top speed. I have a plow for mine for plowing our go-cart track on the lake. It's a great running machine, and like 05 210 stated, Honda and Yamaha make very dependable off road machines. I don't think the Fourtrax that I had could be stopped with a grenade.
Steve

Thanks Doc, with you backing up the info already posted and knowing that you don't pull punches, I think I'll be chasing a honda!

Thanks again all. I knew asking here wouldn't be a bad idea!

Wish you'd show off that pen I sent you.

honda 250r...wont regret it

best quad ever built imo..second is the quadzilla..

Jim: What "jobs around town"?...You ain't making enough gas money working for Ford?

john

Greg, you opened up some memories with the money back bottles, i wonder how many guy's on the site remember them?

Michigan = $.10

Boat Dr., they're perfect!

Root, That's a good looking Honda...no way you love your son.    And Honda made an engine so tough they quit making it? Do you know the name/type of motor and last year sold?

Eric, I still have the radio flyer we used and the red ryder BB gun I carried. We were about 10 and traded the .10 cent bottles for go-cart tires and pinball. I later found out that an antique store next to the gas station was picking through our turn ins and was reselling them.

Jbear to answer your question I run my own lawncare and snow plowing business. Plus last year I got into installing real estate signs. I do this all on the side from working 60-80 hours a week at ford. I still can't figure out why my wife says she never sees me.