1st ATV Purchase

I’m looking for a used 4WD ATV. Looking to spend under $3500. This will be used primarily for ice fishing and occasional chores in the woods(tree stand set up, etc). Going trail riding for the weekend doesn’t interest me.

There are 2 local quads for sale that both seem to be in good shape. What do you think?
–2002 Kawasaki Prairie 650 with only 300 miles(older guy owns it). Runs good, but with a little noise when you let off the throttle…this may be due to the engine braking that this model has? $3500
–2006 CanAM Bombardier 400 with 1700 miles. This comes with winch and plow(I would not use the plow). $3200.

Any thoughts/concerns with either of these models? I thought the price was decent for both. There is no title for the Kawasaki…not sure about the CanAM

That Kawasaki is going to be awful to start in the winter. Severely cold blooded. Had a Prarie, loved everything except the cold bloodedness. Now have an Artic Cat with a Kawasaki motor. Super cold blooded again.

I’d never buy a non EFI quad.

Honda

Check Craigslist in your area. Usually lots of them on there.

These are both off of Craigslist….So would you stay clear of these? Other quads in this price range have on avg about 3000 miles on them. The owner of the Kawasaki did say that it was cold blooded. Seemed fine today, but it’s not below zero either.

Can’t help on the models… but a quick thought, I have a 450cc Yamaha that I bought in part as it was a couple inches shorter than some of the bigger units. I can close my tailgate on the 6.5′ box, bigger units, that isn’t a option.

Plowing “can be” hard on an atv… sort of like a truck. Take your time looking…. there should be a lot of options, and with the economy the way it is, there will be a great machine out there for you at the right price. Not that these are not… just make sure to be picky, you should have that option.

Don’t know about the 650 Prairie, but I have an ’03 360 Prairie and I use it all winter. Starts every time no problem.

Well from my experince you dont need anything over a 400 size atv. We plow all the time with ours and they have plenty of power for that. and if you get it stuck on the ice in some slop or in the feild in mud you will be able to get them out a lot easier then you would say a 600. which are a ton heavier. just my 2 cents on atvs, and hondas are unbeatable in my opinion. beat on them all day long and they just keep running.

I can get the Kawasaki for $3000. I think this is pretty good considering it only has 300 miles on it. Any thoughts?? I’m in no hurry and do not want to overpay.

If that Kawi is truly as cherry as it sounds you should probably get it. Miles aren’t everything though. Given its age you might want to try and talk him down a little further. The noise you hear letting off the throttle is most likely the Engine Brake Actuator. I dont know for certain on that year but my 08 and 10 have them and it makes a LOT of noise, but slows you down quickly without using the brakes. Sometimes Kawi’s seem like maintenance queens but there are way too many stories of them lasting just fine if not ran in deep water/mud a lot. I would look it over good for any oil leaks causing drips. Like drive shaft and diffs. That v-twin motor is suprisingly strong and very addicting.

If your not going to plow the winch should not weigh heavily on your decision. I have them on two machines and have only used it on the one with the plow. Some people find uses for them. I just dont.

I’d lean towards the Kawi if it’s clean and low miles.

I wouldn’t jump on either one just yet but look a little more. Remember to buy something that has service in your area.

I actually bought the Kawasaki a few weeks back. Once I get something in my mind, I have to move forward(very impatient). I gave it a tune up, and so far I haven’t noticed any issues. i need to let it warm up for a minute or two, but then it’s good to go. No buyers remorse…Thanks everyone for the help!!