i started looking at ATV and the max i want to spend is around $7k and want something decently fast(i weigh 210 lb) and something with automatic if possible. This looks to meet everying so far http://atv.polarisindustries.com/atv...F-AA8817FBF958

Any suggestions?

 

What will it be primarily used for? Mudding, trail-riding, etc....

 

don't forget the kawi v force 700 if your interested in going fast. it should fit the bill nicely. it's a sport quad though so not great in mud.

 

I have a Polaris Sportsman 500HO, it is a great machine. I have also ridden the Scrambler, and I too am considering buying one. It can do almost anything the Sportsman can do (except extreme climbing or mudding), yet can still be ridden like a sport bike. It is a very fast trail rider & jumper, but you have 4x4 when you need it. Having the auto makes it easy to ride; you are always in the right powerband. I was quoted $5400+tax for a Scramber, so well below your $7k limit.

Good luck.

 

The sportsman 500 HO is a great atv...very well
mannered and well suspended. I'm lookin' at one
right now. Reliability is the only detractor....

 

Yea mudding would be part of the ride

 

i bought a 2004 sportsman 400 this spring, i like it really well. it will climb just about anything and has plenty of power. it was right at five grand,so you could get a bigger bike for the extra 2 in your budget.

 

I think the newer (2000 and up) Polaris ATV are just as reliable as any other. I've had my 02 Sportsman for 2 years and the only problem I had was the battery leaked onto the tranny cover. This happened the very first ride. Defective battery, not a Polaris problem. I ride this thing hard and it never fails me. If you closely compare ATVs, you will see how heavy duty the Polaris are - this is also why they are so heavy.

My 2 cents.

 

Today's quad manufacturers have made progress in closing
the gap between models as far as reliability is concerned.
However, the edge today still has to go to Honda in the
reliability department. Of course, with the introduction of
the new trannies in the Rubicon and Rincon...who knows
what that record will be like two to three years down the
road. Time will tell on that one. I've owned just about
every model and make of quad available and can honestly
say Honda's usually require less maintenance and "fussing
about" than other quads. This is not to say Honda quads
are the better performers...quite the opposite. There are
many other quads that are faster, more nimble, better-
suspended, and ever more powerful. However, Honda
has the better all around product...for now. I just sold my
main rider (a Honda 450) a few weeks ago and I am
shopping around for a new quad. I'm really intrigued by
the new Prairie 700...a FANTASTIC quad. I'm also looking
at a 2003 Sportsman HO. For me, mudding is a main part
of my riding so I sure like the extra heft the Polaris would
give me. The bottom line for me is this...

If I had seven grand to drop on a quad today and I wanted
a good all-around automatic quad to perform many chores,
it would have to be the new Prairie 700. It is sporty, has
a butt-load of speed courtesy the V-twin powerplant, and
it has GOBS of torque. The only drawback for me is the
lack of a five speed and IRS. Those two things are biggies
in mud riding for me. Good luck with your decision and let
us know what you get.