which one?

[Cap'n Jon]

Okay...I want a nice used 4 wheeler, but a good used one is the same price as a new one!
I am thinking of a 2 wheel drive w/ a winch.  I am in total 200 square mile wilderness, but of course when theres 4 feet of snow on the ground in November I will use the sno machine, but what are your suggestions?  I am using it for trapping, and will travel down private logging 2 tracks and trails and on the 1,000 acre farm. My budget is nothing over $3,000. :?

My neighbor has a "MX" style 2 wheeler.  Maybe mig/tig a square stock basket in the back for my trap's?

[markc]

My first recommendation is to try for a quad that is shaft driven.  Most are now days,  but I would stay away from any chain driven ATV.  Determine what engince size can fit the bill for the work you will be doing.  So, how tall and heavy you are, what you will be carrying and or towing will likely narrow down the choices a bit.   For general riding and light hauling a 250cc quad will do fine.  However, if you will be on it each day, roung terraine, carrying a couple to several hundred pounds, I would look for a quad that is atleast 350cc and up.  

My choices would be Yamaha Big Bear 2X4 or 4X4,  Any number of Honda's fourtrax, rancher, foreman,  etc...  Suzuki quadrunner ( think that is the model) 500cc,  Kawasaki Bayou 300, or prairie models,  Artic Cat 250 4X4,  300,  or 400cc.

A brand new Artic Cat 250cc can be had for around $3700.00.  Good luck.
markc

[markc]

I know you said no more than $3000,  but I see Yamaha has jsut come out with a 2004 model  350cc quad called the Bruin.  The 2X4 model has auto transmission etc.. some nice features and lists at $3999.00   Take a look at              www.atvconnection.com

markc

[Cap'n Jon]

I forgot to add what you said Mark...
I am 6'1" and 220.  I need high gas mileage and would only carry my traps which would just be 75+ pounds. I would think the 250cc is all I need.  I should look at a few web sites.  I would also just have fun ripping it up on these private 2 tracks...that's why a MX version might do...I l,ike the big OD camo'd up ones but they are too big.  Thanks for a direction to look into mark.
I just checked out honda's sportrax250ex...shaft drive...need to fing the MPG on that :-)

[southern utah]

look for a Honda 300 TRX 4x4. you should be able to find a 1997-2000 for around $3k or less.  I have one and a Yamaha Griz600. The 300 honda uses less than half the fuel , light weight  and indestuctable

[Cap'n Jon]

S. Utah,

That's what I need!  Definately the gas mileage!  I just wasn't sure how they (4x2) were in the bush.  With the winch if I do get it stuck then just pull myself out...Thanks Mark, S.Ut!  :-D  
A new atv repair shop opened up in town...i'll go see him and let him know what I am looking for.