Looking at side by sides?

[tomfifield]

I am most likely going to get a used one, what are my best choices? It needs to be a 4x4, I do not care about speed as much as how well it climbs. I will use it to travel around my roads for the most part. I have been looking on Craig's List and Ebay to get an idea of what is out there. Is there anything I need to look out for? What should I be looking at for features? Are any built better than others?

 

[jimrs]

There are a lot of side X sides out there and most will do what you want. You need to decide what you will be doing on it. If you plan to carry large loads in the bed then Polaris has a good size bed. I have a Yamaha Rhino and it works out for me. We ride trails that the Polaris can't go on due to width of the unit. Mine is not the fastest but it will run 42mph if needed and will climb very well.

 

[tomfifield]

Mostly I just want to travel around my land, and maybe ride trails. I use the tractor and a trailer to haul stuff. Thanks.

 

[PapaPerk]

Polaris Ranger 400, midsize

 

[johnk]

If you are at a high elevation get the fuel injected Polaris. Also great for the cold weather starts.

 

[Glocker]

My neighbors farm has a Polaris Ranger 800 and is very happy with it.

 

[texasjohn]

Kubota RTV...love mine...excellent all the way around. Reliable. Top speed around 24 MPH but unstoppable in the pasture.

Look for extra features ...windshield, winch, etc...WATCH OUT for scams on Craig's List, elsewhere...buy used only local and after driving the unit.

 

[KentT]

If you're looking for used, and a great value, I'd suggest you look for a Yamaha Rhino 450. A used one will likely not have been "hot-rodded" like the Rhino 660s and 700s might have been. Yamaha essentially "invented" the sport/utility side-by-side and are high quality, very dependable machines if used like they were originally intended.

IMO, two features are absolutely essential: (1) a locking front differential - though not frequently needed, when you really need it, it can mean the difference of driving out under your own power or being winched or pulled out, and (2) engine braking for safely and slowly going down steeper grades or slopes - earlier models of many brands did NOT feature this.

Yamaha is getting ready to announce new models this month supposedly, and the price of used machines will likely be even more reasonable...

 

[soarkrebel1]

If you're looking for used, and a great value, I'd suggest you look for a Yamaha Rhino 450. A used one will likely not have been "hot-rodded" like the Rhino 660s and 700s might have been. Yamaha essentially "invented" the sport/utility side-by-side and are high quality, very dependable machines if used like they were originally intended.

IMO, two features are absolutely essential: (1) a locking front differential - though not frequently needed, when you really need it, it can mean the difference of driving out under your own power or being winched or pulled out, and (2) engine braking for safely and slowly going down steeper grades or slopes - earlier models of many brands did NOT feature this.

Yamaha is getting ready to announce new models this month supposedly, and the price of used machines will likely be even more reasonable...

I have a Rhino 700 and my vote would be for a Rhino. A few things about them I don't like. I have changed the stator once....it fried. And the rear differential.....get a aftermarket bracket.
But as far as Yamaha making an announcement.....I will believe it when it happens...lol

 

[Relic]

still waiting on Yamaha to put a V/Twin in their Rhino