I've decided on a Z400 as opposed to the YFZ450 because I'll be focused more on trail riding than tracks/dunes. (However, feel free to change my mind if you disagree.) Now, I can't decide if I should be patient and keep looking for something used in good shape, or just go haggle with a dealer for a 2013.

Thus far (3-4 weeks), I can't seem to find anything newer than '08. One I'm considering is a 2008 ltz400 that I found on Craigslist. Was that a good year for them? I know its carbureted, is it worth getting the new one for fuel injection? How about the shocks and overall comfortability of the 2013 vs 2008?

The guy says his 2008 is in good shape and has low hours and is asking $2500 firm. I'd probably be lucky to get a 2013 for less than $6000 out the door if I had to guess. I'll be paying cash, so hopefully that helps. So help me out, new or used?

 

I,d rather be on the 2008 with $3500 spending money in my pocket.
I love the new vs used debates.
Its pretty well the reason I buy used everything. To many mint and good condition machine out their to chose from around here.
You buy a new ATV for $6000 and by the time you get it home and unloaded it will lose $1000 if you tried to sell it the next day.

My friend just bought a mint low miles 2008 Ski-Doo MX Z Renegade 600 H.O. SDI for $4200 My other friend bought the same machine two year for $12,000 two years ago.
The two sleds are parked side by side in the same garage right now and you can,t tell them apart.
Needless to say my friend who paid almost $8000 Canadian more is looking a pale green now a days. LOL

 

Buy a new one if you can and if you intend on keeping it for a very long time. I had a 2007 that I bought used and every time I turned around something else needed repairing. Kids beat on these things so unless you find one that was babied go for a new one.

The fuel injection is really nice on the 2013 that we bought this year. I know it is only aesthetics, but I really prefer the new plastics.

 

That's is the trick do not buy the ones that have been beaten up . I just buy the one in good shape. You would need the sorriest of luck if you used up your $3500 in saving on ATV repairs. Even then you would be even.

I always tell people, every single person on this site is riding a used ATV. They are only considered new if they are on the show room floor and you have not signed the dotted line.

 

Check out the quadzone.com forums. Loads of well equiped quads for sale. Some could be considered cheap considering the aftermarket parts on them.
I'd rather buy a used machine and fix it rather than buck up for a new one. That's me.
If you have deep pockets, new is nice.
FYI: The 400's are a good choice but the 450's are very good in the woods and they have a better suspension (in stock form).
Good luck on finding your ride.
update:: look at this!
http://www.quadzoneforums.com/forums...ad.php?t=60104

 

Buy two mint shape z400 for $3000 each. Then "IF" one breaks down after a few years you can just jump on the 2nd one and use the first one as a parts department.

Seriously though Here is a mint shape 2005 for $2500 (Asking) with $200 high end rear tires. I can tell by the neighbourhood the guy does not get out to ride much.
Where is a new $6000 one going where this will not. Plus you pay much less taxes.http://www.atvtraderonline.com/listi...Z400-110722214

 

Thanks for the input fellas/ladies. The two bikes posted are both really far from Florida so they're out, good deals nevertheless. I'm leaning towards used, but dammit those new ones look amazing and I keep hearing great things about them!

Nobody has chimed in about the 08's, how was the suspension and engine that year?

 

Except for the looks (Plastics) and efi the meat and potatoes of the machines do not change.
Like frame ,suspension and motor.
Besides the when the 400z came out in 2003 they had no known problems. Even a mint shape 2003 can be a better deal then a nice 2010. Its more about condition to me then the year.

EFI does not give the 398cc motor a performance increase in any way. The carb version and EFI are both rated at the same HP.

I just put that on out there as a example, try craigslist for your area.

 

Thanks for all the tips. I went and picked up a 2008 LTZ 400 last night. Got it for $2500 which I think is a pretty great deal because it runs great and definitely hasn't been rode much. It's the all black special edition and I'm very happy with it. Now I just need to order that HMF comp exhaust system!

 

Nice! Have fun!