Best Used Polaris ATV Models.Most Reliable and Owner Favorites.The results are in! We have our list of the best used Polaris ATV models. Thousands of owner surveys don't lie but they do provide some interesting insights. Owners were asked to score their Polaris ATVs in four categories: 1. Reliability 2. Comfort 3. Performance 4. Quality Each category was scored from 1 for the worst to 5 for the best. Cumulative scores were totaled for each model. Our research found models with a total score of 4.75 or better. Models with too few survey results were eliminated because we didn't feel those average scores would be accurate. Model years form 2000 thru 2007 are covered. Year and model are listed first, followed by the overall score. Top Used Polaris ATV Models2001 Sportsman 500 H.O. - (5) The perfect score says a lot! Favorite features were ride, handling, and power. Not so favorite things were the weight (700lbs), and the variable locking front differential. Easily damaged footboards were a concern for a few owners. Good mudding ability was mentioned but radiator clogging and overheating were a couple of things to watch out for. Some owners called it a "tank" because of it's ability to tow heavy loads and plow in low range. Most owners mentioned outstanding reliability with only a few various problems after thousands of hard miles. 2002 Sportsman 500 H.O. - (4.83) Favorite things were the same as the 2001 model with several owners saying this is their second Sportsman and many others claiming they recommended Sportsman models to friends and other riders. Dislikes mentioned were the single linked braking system and the rear wheels only EBS (engine braking system). Easily damaged CV joint boots generated a few complaints. Overall reliability was listed as a plus. 2003 Predator 500 - (4.78) Yeah, we were surprised a Polaris Sport Quad made the list too! Owners liked the power, handling, brakes, and good suspension. Dislikes included weight, and no reverse. A few owners complained about "notchy" transmission shifting. Difficult to service air filter and rear axle bearings that need regular greasing were irritating to some owners. But properly maintained Predators seemed to have good overall reliability with very few problems reported. 2004 Magnum 330 4x4 - (4.83) Owners actually seemed surprised by how well their Magnums performed. Maybe because of the smaller engine or lower price it's like they didn't really expect as much from this used Polaris ATV. There were a few who thought more power would be nice. Most were surprised how well the Magnum handled trail riding and work chores. Reliability was rated as excellent with no significant problems. We didn't really expect to see this model on the list, but would have to say it looks like the Magnum 330 over delivers! 2004 Sportsman 500 H.O. - (4.93) Starting to see that owners like the Polaris Sportsman 500? The 2004 model keeps it up with several owners declaring it the "best overall ATV". Everything wasn't perfect with a few complaints about the lack of fuel capacity and the seemingly delicate CV boots. This was still the highest rated used Polaris ATV utility model. 2004 Sportsman 600 Twin - (4.88) This model had a short run, but strangely had higher ratings than either of it's replacements - the 700 and 800 twins. Owners liked the low end torque and fuel mileage of the 600. More complaints about CVT belts getting wet and slipping showed up with this model for some reason. Several still didn't like the EBS. As a best used Polaris ATV we don't know if the Sportsman 600 should be on the list due to concerns about replacement parts. Short run models sometimes aren't supported very well when it comes to parts supplies. But it definitely scored well enough to be included, so we'll let you decide. We just recommend a little homework on the parts situation before you buy one. 2005 Predator 500 - (4.8) Another Predator sport quad makes the list with an outstanding score! Guess all those "Sport Quad of the Year" awards weren't a fluke. The 2005 models came with a reverse gear, Fox double adjustable aluminum shocks, chromoly axle, and radial tires. Owner loyalty for these things borders on a cult! That shouldn't be a surprise - It just proves our point that a simple quad usually equals a reliable quad. And it doesn't get much simpler than a sport quad. 2005 Sportsman 400 - (4.76) Good value is the favorite feature mentioned most often. More power is at the top of the wish list of features. Most owners felt the power was at least adequate for a 700 pound 400cc 4x4 ATV. There have been a couple of recalls concerning carb jetting and an ECU problem that caused the electric fan to malfunction. Any used Polaris ATV should already have those updates. 2006 Predator 500 - (4.92) Looks like the Polaris Predator has a lot of fans! It gets a lot of compliments on its' great all around performance. Dunes, tight trails, open trails, and all kinds of terrain in between are handled well by this sport quad. Most owners felt it was easier to ride and more forgiving than the all out racing 450 class quads. Reliability was also regarded as better due to the less high strung tuning of the Predator. 2006 Sportsman 450 - (4.77) Another Polaris Sportsman makes the list. Best value for the money topped the reasons for buying the 450. There were enough complaints about belt problems to pay attention to that. Otherwise the reliability was good. 2006 Sportsman X2 - (4.92) The X2 adds the ability to take a passenger with you. Longer wheelbase and more weight than the standard Sportsman. Owners liked the good ride and stable handling of the longer wheelbase. A little tougher to get through tight trails but the turf mode rear diffenential does help. A very few complaints about rapid wear of the transmission belt, but the X2 was the highest rated Sportsman on the list. 2007 Sportsman 500 EFI - (4.77) Take a 500 Spotsman and add EFI (electronic fuel injection) and you get another favorite on the list. The EFI gives you more power, better response, and easier starting. The negative as a used Polaris ATV is the greater expense to repair the more complicated system. Related links: Used ATVs - How To Find the Best Buys. World of ATVs Home from used Polaris ATV.
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