Rod Caster

anybody ever use Sauble Beach Motorsports? They have a huge inventory of slightly used machines

More like a skinny chimpanzee, but I"m young enough ..for now. It's too bad I can't really test drive an ATV. I've never used EPS before and I'd like to try it out... oh well, maybe I'll spring for it anyway.

Ya, that's a good site Lew. Thanks. Never seen it before. I'm not keen on buying from over the border...a transaction like that would intimidate me too much...maybe if I lived in Southern Ontario it would be easier for me to consider. It's hard to find a good 'lightly used' machine in Northern Ontario. It's not impossible and I'm always looking for deals like that. Now I'm down to: Yamaha Kodiak 450. (will look into EPS) Suzuki King Quad 400

Thanks Mitch. I've been warned about Arctic Cats (even from an Arctic Cat/Yamaha dealer!). I still have affinity for the Polaris', but I'm leaning towards Yamaha/Suzuki now... nothing but consistently good reviews (Yammy more than Suzuki)

Anybody have experience with the Suzuki KingQuad 400? They are more closely priced to the Polaris' but have a good reliability reputation, seemingly on par with Honda/Yamaha

Ya, I drove by thise morning and it was covered in snow. I thought the place was deserted.

That's just one of those giant river-run shiners you have up there! haha.

Did you find any black sand or gold flecks at all? I'm a geology geek and have done quite a bit of amateur prospecting and panning. Never got lucky, but I enjoy doing it nearly as much as fishing

Im definitely leaning towards yamaha. I'll probably put half down and 3yr finance the remainder. I'm getting tired of repairs on my older machines; I'd love to own an ATV for 20 years with minimal maintenance. Great input everyone

Ok, so I'll present it like this. What would you choose if the following facts are true: Polaris 400 for $6,600 out the door Or Yamaha Kodiak 450 non-p/sfor $8,300 out the door

Sorry to hear. I take that it was great with kids?

For the price and comfort and general layout, the Polaris is clearly the best deal ($5,600). I talked the Yammy dealer down to $7,000 for the non-power steering Kodiak 450. Financing is better there too, 3.49% for 36mths or 2.99% for 24 mths. The Kodiak seems to be more rugged, has good clearance and has true 4x4. The Polaris isn't true 4x4 and that's a let down. I'd also bet the Yammy's generally have better reliability stats. I'm not liking any Arctic Cat, Kawasawki or Can-Am's for work machines. I'll check out Suzuki next chance I get. If Honda had 2013's in stock, for $6,800, I'd probably call it a deal, even though the Polaris and Yamaha seem better to handle really rough terrain.

Thanks, I just called the Yammy dealer for pricing details. $7,399 for a non-power steering 450 Kodiak plus a bit of room to negociate. I'll test one out next week. My father in law has a Polaris and worked the heck out of it on his property for 12 years, no actual riding. He's been very happy with it.

It's about $7,500 for the base 400cc Can-am.

Very nice looking pup. If she could handle 100% outdoor life I'd take her.

Ah yes, Can-Am. Forgot about that brand. Thanks Cliff...that's the kind of feedback I'm looking for.

Not cheap for the Yammy's! But ya, they look like very solid machines, moreso than the Honda/Polaris.

Hey there feedbackers. I'll be picking up a new ATV this spring for working on my property. I'm looking at entry-level models like 400's and 450's. The Honda Fourman 420 would be top of my list, but it's about $7,800 unless you can find the end-of-year models in the fall. I need one this summer so I won't wait. The Polaris Sportsman 450 is $5,600 right now and is my second choice. I've always trusted Polaris products and I'm pretty sure the resale on all ATV's is strong. I also trust the mechanics at my local dealership. Plus they are offering an extra 6months of warranty until April. Haven't really looked at Yamaha, Suzuki or Arctic Cat, but I know that the cheapest of these is Arctic Cat and to be honest I don't have faith in AC. Any opinions on the entry level models accross the board?

You guys lucked out finding a good spot after getting stuck like that....I know the feeling of having to change plans and hope for the best; usually I end up getting skunked haha. Great meal you put out there!

Ling and lakers; a good combo!

Kilarney.

Welcome back to the bush life.

very cute kid! Good job being a good poppy

Welcome to the north and congrats on the positive changes. Maybe we'll run into each other someday.