Hello,
I introduced myself on the Polaris forum. I am looking at buying my first ATV. I just want it to buzz around our farm with. I was looking at Polaris, but it seems like Honda is recommended by more people for what I intend to use it for.

I found a 2005 Rancher AT with a plow and an extra set of wheels and tires for $3400. It has 2600 miles and looks like it is in good condition. This being my first I'm not great at inspecting them, but generally looks like it has been taken care of. I want to make sure this isn't a bad deal. What do you guys think?

 

Different parts of the country seem to have dramatic differences in prices , I am from the New Orleans area and I think that is high on the price and miles , but with that being said condition is the real issue , super clean and garage kept it could be worth it --------- you say this is your first ATV , I wouldn't jump into anything too quickly ,have patience , research , test ride some friends bikes and make your first choice a good one --------- I am stuck on the Honda Fourtrax 300's from 88-2000

 

That's on the high side of prices.
I bought a Canadian (Much higher prices) 2007 Grizzly 350 with 3000 miles ,winch, new second set of tires, windshield fairing, rear passenger seat with foot rest for $3400 Canadian.

Im, looking at a 2010 450 Grizzly with only 500 miles which has much more options then a 420 Rancher like Power steering , IRS , Diff lock, Low Range, winch and rear hydraulic disc brakes for $4500 OBO U.S in Michigan.
The guy probably will take $4200.

2600 is higher on the mileage side.

 

That won't be a 420 rancher if it's a 05, it's the 400AT. It's an ok bike but the newer 420 is better in every way. The 400AT doesn't have EFI, IRS or power steering (optional on the 420) but the 420AT does

The 400AT has a similar transmission design to the rubicon (hydraulic) but it didn't have the same success. Some of the 400 transmissions had reliability issues so they scrapped it completely to a dual clutch design seen in the 420AT and now it's also being used in most of the new models. I'd look for a 420

 

He's right its either the 400AT Rancher or 350 Rancher in 2005. The 420 did not come out until 2008 I think.2005 Honda FourTrax® Rancher™ (TRX350TM) ATVs If its the 329cc Rancher $3400 with 2600 miles is on the high side of pricing for that ATV in the States.

 

That's a pretty nice deal for the 450 with barely any ride time. Was the 350 4wd?

 

The 350 was 4x4. The SRA and no low range was the only thing I did not care for.

 

The 400AT was a great bike, I was worried at the complex electronics for the gearchange but the only electrical problems, since an initial recall in about 04, has been a blown "black box" due to the regulator overcharging on one bike we maintain, and a couple have had new alternator stators. IRS is more comfortable, but we are getting rear CV problems with Grizzlys, and fuel injection is an expensive pain in the backside on any farm bike.

 

I decided to go for it. I live in CO where prices are pretty high. I looked at every ATV I could find within 150 miles and not single one was at or below the nada value.

This was the TRX400FA, NADA was 3100 so with the plow and extra tires i felt 3400 was fair. Thanks for the input, I'll stick around and try to make myself part of the community.

 

Nice tranny on those AT's, no shifting needed.

Happy trails.