To buy oir not to buy???

[wipartimer]

I may have the chance to buy a 1996 Yamaha wolverine 350 4x4 .  I have not looked at it yet, but lets assume its in good shape. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience on/with this machine? Its age kinda scares me, and the only machines I've used are polaris, but I could probly get it cheap. I'd be using it for trapping, deer hunting, food plots, and trail riding.  What do you think?

[Graybeard]

I have a Yamaha Bruin 350 a 2005 model I've had since the first week or so the 2005 models came out. I assume it's just a mildly updated version of the one you're referring to. I'm mighty pleased with it. Old doesn't always mean bad. My first was a 98 Honda Recon it was pretty abused but it lasted a long time for me and was still working fine when I turned it over to Matt after buying the Bruin. It sure didn't last long the way he abused it but I'll bet if I had kept riding it that it would still be running today. Actually I think it is anyway as he traded it on an SUV at a used car dealership and they fixed it and got it back running and sold it.

Look at the condition and see how it cranks and runs and how much abused it looks and decide from there but don't pay too much for it. I gave only $800 for my old recon and I'd not give more for the one you're talking about and maybe not even that depending on condition.

[markc]

The Wolverine really isn't a utility atv.  It is more of a sport atv, especially the current models.  I don't recall whether or not the 96's were shaft driven, but most likely they were.  You could add racks front and rear, but again it really is more of a sport model than a utility model.  That alone might help you decide whether or not it will fill the need you have, food plots etc.. that a pure utility model would be better for.  Like GB said, when you take a look at it, look for abuse. Then crank it,  look for smoke, ease of starting, do the front tires seem to line up with each other, with the handlebars?   Rust, dents, cracked body parts?  If it appears to have been abused, leave it and look elsewhere.

[wipartimer]

Thanks for the input gentlemen, you've probably saved me a few headaches. I know I'll need an atv thats more work than play. Also, I think the owner wants $1800 for it. I guess I'll save my money for one that suits my needs more. Thanks again!

[Graybeard]

That's "almost" half what I paid for my brand new 2005 350 Bruin when I bought it. I think the price was about $4000 even plus taxes if I recall correctly. That price would be EXTREMELY high in my opinion regardless of condition. I wasn't familiar enough with that model to know like Mark did that it wasn't a utility model but for sure that's the kind you want not a racing machine.

[markc]

They have marketed that model as a sport atv for a while now, but it seems like several years back, you could order one with racks front and rear, but again, it was a sport model with racks.  You could reach your hunting area in a big hurry, but pulling a plow of disc set wouldn't be too good.   

[30-30man]

It is almost impossible to find a good deal on an atv.  Most people ask about what a new atv costs, that is why I bought new.  I even see people trying to unload the old three-wheelers for around $1000 in my area.  I have the same atv Greybeard has except mine is a 2006 model.  The Bruin can haul the mail. I used it the week of the 4th to haul 10 people back and forth from the lake on a trailer.   I would guess it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 1400lbs.  It didn't miss a beat. Don't let people tell you you need 4wd either, just ride around the mud holes.  My 2wd atv will go anywhere my 4wd pickup will go and in some places it can't.  The 4wd models are harder to steer and the 2wd models are cheaper.  I know my dealer often has 2nd hand models they sell on consignment, I'd suggest looking there.