4 wheeler

[jwhill]

going to look at a 4 wheeler tomorow it is a polaris 425 4x4 i know that it hsa some age on it. what shoud i pay special atention to? it will be used only on the farm by me amd i am 70 years old. thanks
 

[dave2]

,
You can't control everything, but if I was buying it from a private person, I'd look at what their other property (cars, trucks, tractors, etc) look like and look at the 4wheeler for obvious signs of abuse (cracks in frame, caked mud that may indicate drowning it in mud, etc)...
But really, if you don't have your heart set on it, you may be happier with something like a yamaha beartracker (250cc 2wd) . Easier on fuel and I'd think easier to handle. Whatever you get, be careful, don't wanna be readin about you....
 

[Wile E]

Yes, be careful.
I had a Polaris 400 Sportsman, I sold it 2 years ago. (2 electrical problems since I owned it) It was a 2004 model. In fact the guy I sold it to was an electrical fix it guy and said that there was a circuit breaker on the thing that became so hot that he thought it might catch fire. He fixed that. The ignition was all jacked up too.
I will NEVER own another 4 wheeler as long as I live, Unless it was given to me for free. A 4 wheeler is worth 1/2 of new 2 years after it is owned by the first guy. So depending on how old it is it should be inexpensive. I really have a low opinion of Polaris, I have no idea what their snowmobiles are like. (I dont want a sled of anykind unless it is free)
What is the guy asking for the 4 wheeler? What year is it?
 

[Todd Hovick]

The 425 Magnum is a great 4-wheeler. I have towed 4000# boats with one, pulled out a Ford F-250 pickup, the AWD switch always worked. Just use the recommended oil and filter.
 

[notjustair]

I've got a Polaris 325 Magnum. Hate that thing with a passion. It is still like new and is strong as a ox, but you better only want to use it in warm weather. I've tried everything to get it to start and idle in colder weather and it just won't do it.

The thing also runs hotter than blue blazes. I'm scared to run it in the pasture if the grass is too tall. It has never gotten hot enough for the temp sensor to go off, but I bet you would have burns on your right leg from the knee down if it did.

Oil changes aren't cheap - they have synthetic oil and a filter that comes in a set from the dealer.

Did I mention the brakes? The rear pads always seem to drag no matter what (since new) and that causes it to eat rears.

There isn't a Honda for sale anywhere near? I'd get that Polaris if it was $10 and they threw in some chaps and an oil change.
 

[cd1]

don't buy a polaris older than a 1999, I own and ATV shop and do repairs to these every day. There are little details that make the newer ones so much better. Some of the parts are getting thin on the older ones too.
 

[GordoSD]

72 year old owner here of my second Honda in 12 years. Find a Honda Rancher with the Power Steering and electric shift. Very handy when using the left hand for spraying, carrying anything, like a gun, and still easy to steer one hand.
 

[Mark6005]

Might be a regional thing as to who sells what in your area as to what might be available. Around here a long time kaw dealer sells lots of 4 wheelers. Myself I have a 89 bayoo 300 4x4 I bought new in nov 88 still use it to move snow haul wood and take a ride in the woods. Good local dealer means a lot to me no matter what I"m buying
 

[Organicfarmer1972]

I bought a Honda 4 wheeler to use around the farm and it is quite handy. While spraying mesquites I hired a guy to help and he bought a Kawasaki Mule to use.

At the end of the day I was sore as heck from bouncing on the 4 wheeler and he was feeling good.

I decided a Mule was a lot more comfortable and useful than a 4 wheeler. I have both now and the 4 wheeler gets used by the grandkids to play and I use the Mule for work around the farm....just my cent and half worth (inflation took the other half cent already!!)
 

[cd1]

If your going 250cc the Honda Recon and Suzuki Ozark are much nicer choices than the yammi 250
 

[Sidekick]

I've got a 2000 model 425 Expedition with about 5000 miles on it that I bought in '99 and the only thing I've ever had to fix on it was the sensor on the radiator that turns the fan on. It starts in all weather and hasn't given me any trouble. Mine is the model that has a 5 speed instead of the belt driven transmission. It's probably been the most trouble free piece of equipment on the place.