Work UTV ... narrow down some choices please

[ultrarunner]

So the one 2015 that was $7500 was advertised in today's newspaper for $6988... price blowout.

Silly me... I'm thinking now that it is $500 less the out the door price will be less.

The dealer just raised the assembly charge by $500...

Lots of games going on in the world of RTV sales.

The reality is the now that it is on sale for $500 less the out the door price is actually higher than the quote from last week...

I may just buy a real 4 legged Mule and forget the RTV...

 

[Redneck in training]

My son is in process of buying UTV/ATV. Mule is on the top of the list. Good reliability record, longest warranty, payload and towing is OK. Brand to avoid is Polaris. Six month warranty. There are too many low hours for sale around us and very few Mules.
I work for Oil and Gas once a while. There are many Mules at the plants. Quite abused but still working, Some plants had Deer Gators. Those didn't last long. Every one I used had something mechanical broken and many were completely out of order,

 

[ultrarunner]

I think the Mule is proven, simple and therefore reliable with 36 month warranty.

Dependable seems to be the strong suit... like the old air cooled VW bugs.

The CV belt is a wear item like brake shoes... it is something cheap enough to keep a spare on hand.

Here is another ad.... I have a written quote on it and it comes in just $4 under 10k...

Almost seems criminal to advertise a product and the out the door price is almost 50% more... I realize sales tax is what it is at $1090 plus $565 freight, $1760 prep, $80 documentation fee... well you get the picture.

Like you... just not finding any used... lots of Polaris for big money.

215 Kawasaki Mule™ 61 4x4 XC Camo

 

[TheGoose]

I've been looking very hard at the Mule 4010 4x4. I can drive out the two seater for about $9400 and a double cab for about $1k more. I'm not looking at the 610 because I don't want one that small. I like the Kawasaki because it's governed to 25 mph, much safer if I let my kids ride.

 

[ultrarunner]

I too think 25mph is good and it qualifies for the AG tax rate if used for AG.

The small size is about as big as I would want to maneuver in between the rows of trees.

 

[EddieWalker]

I think the Mule is proven, simple and therefore reliable with 36 month warranty.

Dependable seems to be the strong suit... like the old air cooled VW bugs.

The CV belt is a wear item like brake shoes... it is something cheap enough to keep a spare on hand.

Here is another ad.... I have a written quote on it and it comes in just $4 under 10k...

Almost seems criminal to advertise a product and the out the door price is almost 50% more... I realize sales tax is what it is at $1090 plus $565 freight, $1760 prep, $80 documentation fee... well you get the picture.

Like you... just not finding any used... lots of Polaris for big money.

215 Kawasaki Mule™ 61 4x4 XC Camo

Did this used to be Hayward Honda? A very good friend since we where very young is married to the son who's parents used to own Hayward Honda. They sold it to focus more on their horse stable business in the Hayward Hills above the bowling alley farther down Foothill. His name is Mark Olund and he still runs the parts department. He's huge into trail rides up in the Sierra's. If that's the same place, go say hi to him and see if being my friend gets you anywhere. I'm still in touch with his wife, but haven't seen any of them in over a decade since moving away. You never know.

 

[ultrarunner]

I don't think it is the same... Honda of Hayward as I think they are now called is several miles towards Niles and the ATV Dealer is almost on the Castro Valley Border...

You do have very good recall... sometimes I throw in a little local color just to see if your are paying attention... ;-)

Got a lead on a very low hour Deere 825i.

Don't know much about Deere as there are no local Dealers...

The machine is very clean and very well equipped... even has a license plate.

Did read the weak point is the Constant Velocity Joints...

I should be able to pick up the Gator for the price of the Mule...

 

[Code54]

The 825I I believe has the Chery engine (3 cyl) -same one that is used on the Mule Pro FXT. Good little motor and easy to get parts for (Kawasaki, Deere and others stock them)
Tons of those little motors are out there overseas and seem to have a good reputation for long term reliability. It is basically a small car motor in other areas of the world so the miles you put on a SxS motor really is no where near what it is used to.
Enjoy whatever new machine you decide on.

 

[Hermio]

Well, I have had the Intimidator Crew with the Kohler gas engine for a bit more than a year now. No problems to report so far.

 

[Redneck in training]

My son is in process of buying UTV/ATV. Mule is on the top of the list. Good reliability record, longest warranty, payload and towing is OK. Brand to avoid is Polaris. Six month warranty. There are too many low hours for sale around us and very few Mules.
I work for Oil and Gas once a while. There are many Mules at the plants. Quite abused but still working, Some plants had Deer Gators. Those didn't last long. Every one I used had something mechanical broken and many were completely out of order,

The problem with UTV is they are too big to transport them long distances. They are great at a farm but not the best for hunting. I suggested to our son to get two seater ATV and a trailer big just enough to transport it. Then it could pull the trailer if need. I think such set up is more practical for his purpose. Opinion welcomed.