ATV people. Is the Honda Rancher a good one?

[RECHRGD]

I've decided to get an ATV to help with snow management at my place.  There's one for sale locally.  It's a 2006 Honda Rancher 400 4x4 with a plow and wench. It has 2100 miles and comes with chains for all four wheels.  I'm going to look at it Monday.  It has just been used around a farm by the elder owner, or so I'm told.  Anything in particular I should be looking for?  He is asking $3,800 for it.

[white]

Have been using a 2002 rancher since new to plow snow on a 1/4 mile private road and it is the best. Can get around much better than a truck, and if you want haul it in your truck and go make some money plowing driveways in the subdivisions you can make a killing and not use much gas.I bought mine for $4000 with plow in 2002. I would check out a new rancher first to see how much they are then you will see if the one you are looking at is a good price. Hope this helps you out.

[RECHRGD]

Thanks White!  I did go to the Honda site to get an idea on pricing.  It looks like, if I were to buy a new one with plow and winch, it would be in the 8 to 9K range plus tax.  Is the 2100 miles a concern, as long as it has been well maintained?

[white]

I have 1,500 miles on mine, have never had any problems except buying a battery every 2 years and normal maintenance. What is nice about the rancher is the crank to transmission is gear drive not belt drive like other models including the Honda forman so you wont burn the belt up under heavy loads. I even pulled my project 69 charger out of the garage with the rancher in 1st gear with no problems. Just like anything if you take care of it ,it will take care of you. Just make sure you test everything out just like a car. Talk with a local Honda dealer that sells ranchers to. Hope this helps you out.

[RECHRGD]

 

[garner7555]

The 400 is actually an automatic transmission similar to the early rubicons instead of the traditional manual transmission with automatic clutch.  The automatic 400 can be "manually" shifted though.  I actually like the transmission in those 4wheelers.  The miles are all realative to how it has been treated.  I have seen them trashed with 1500 miles and I have also seen them really nice with 8000 miles.  Here in the south those 400 ranchers around that year are going from 3000 - 4000 normally.  Just check it over well and you should be fine.      

[RECHRGD]

Thanks Garner!  I've never owned one of these things before and appreciate the input...?