Comparables to Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe

[sheamus]

I am looking at a UTV with some trail capabilities. I am pretty settled on a Pioneer 1000-5 but there is so much choice out there, that I am sure I am missing some good options. Unfortunately due to our friend COVID nobody has anything on lots I can try out, and I have seen used higher than what I can order a new one in for. So I really want to do my research.

What I like about the Pioneer

• 4-5 seating without a loooong wheelbase, so still good in the woods
• The option to convert the box to another couple seats
• 6 Speed vs belt driven CVT. Good for pulling, and some serious top-end speed as well.
• Dumping box (thought I have heard the gas assist is nearly useless, I may look for an aftermarket electric dump kit)
• power steering (not a huge deal)

Options I care little about:

• Cab
• fancy dash, glove box, etc.
• Hydraulic/PTO

So it seems like the Pioneer is the perfect fit, but would be interested to hear if you think I am missing some other options.

Cheers,
~Shea M

 

[herm0016]

interested in this as well.
the pioneer seems like the best built, lacking the CVT.

 

[3gunr]

My neighbor has the pioneer and loves it. My son just got a polaris general 1000 4 seater, For 25,ooo I was not that impressed,

 

[deserteagle71]

The Pioneer 1000 is a great choice. I did my research and this was also one of my top choices. In reading on the Pioneer forums I learned some negatives:
1. That new dual-clutch tranny also has problems if not used properly - lots of burned-out clutches. So if you are not running at a pretty good rate of speed, use low range!
2. Those seats in the back are not very comfortable on long rides.
3. A LOT of engine heat comes off that engine because of where it is located. Not a problem on a cold day but on a hot day it can get overbearing inside the machine.

Unlike you, a cab for me was a priority. I wanted a machine that I can use during the winter. For me that meant an enclosed cab with heat and roll-down windows and a windshield that opens when it does warm up. Also, I was not impressed with the Honda i-Drive system. Places I take my UTV I want a true locking front diff - not a computer deciding which wheel it will apply braking to.

 

[Paystar]

I would go Pioneer. Like you say......they are the nicest thing out there that can carry passengers because they are no longer than a standard two seater. And Honda reliability is legendary, which I cannot say about the new Polaris's.
I got a Sportsman 570 that has been junk from day one, and my friend bought a new RZR 900 that had constant trips back to dealer for check engine lights, loss of power steering, EPS fault codes, etc.
So he just traded it for a new RZR1000 and on our first ride...guess what? All those same issues plus the stabilizer link rubbers fell out.

I almost bought a new Pioneer this summer. But I ended up going more in the direction of work than play toy, and bought an RTV-X1100C.
Where I am in Ontario Canada, Honda wants $34,000 for a Pioneer 1000-5 and that is what I paid for my loaded RTV WITH the Boss vee plow installed.
I still have my atv's to trail ride with. But if I didn't and could only have one machine for work and play it would be the Honda....of a John Deere Gator XUV because now after having my Kubota I would find it hard to go trail riding without AC, LOL

 

[sheamus]

@deserteagle71 What did you end up buying then?

1. Hmmm, that is good to know. Our 10 acres is basically one big slope, so I was worried about a CVT and figured a traditional clutch would be better. Keeping it in low would makes sense for our yard for sure.
2. I suspected they were uncomfy, but they would be for occasional use for our 4 and 6 y/o. But would work for the occasional mail run.
3. That is good to know, thanks. This is likely more of an issue with a cab. I have pulled the kids around on toboggans using a cabless gator at -30C, and survived. We just bundled up well. Any extended use on a hot day would be at speed and the breeze should keep us cool. Rarely gets above 25C here.

I am curious what you bough.

@Paystar MSRP for the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe is only $22,500 (+tax+PDI). You must be talking about the landed cost of the special edition?

 

[Root Cause]

I have a Pioneer 700-4.

A lot depends on what you will do and where you are.

The power steering CAN be a big deal. If you hit a log or ditch on an angle, it will snatch the steering wheel out of your hand. If you are flat land then this isn't important as you said. And that can be painful.

The dump assist works very well unless you have a really unbalanced load. That is a bit hard to do with a small cargo area. I guess that there was one time I had to shift the load to dump the contents.

The 1000 has a turf mode. If you are driving on grass, that is a very good thing to have.

500 owners are a cult group. They love that they can get in tight spots and load it into a long bed, full sized truck without a trailer. Hunters love these.

I LOVE my 700-4. It is rated at 1000 lbs in the bed and 1500 towing. Youtube shows people going way beyond the towing limits. I don't do it but I pull the 1200 lb trailer around the property and don't know it's there. I added a winch and it comes in handy to stretch a fence and operate the snow blade. I don't typically go over 25-30 mph. It tops out at 45 just like it is supposed to.

1000 owners seem happy from the utility aspect. If you plan to go racing on the trails with your friends who have razors or Honda Talons, you will soon want to trade it in to keep up.

 

[sheamus]

Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better about the dump bed.

 

[Paystar]

@deserteagle71 What did you end up buying then?

1. Hmmm, that is good to know. Our 10 acres is basically one big slope, so I was worried about a CVT and figured a traditional clutch would be better. Keeping it in low would makes sense for our yard for sure.
2. I suspected they were uncomfy, but they would be for occasional use for our 4 and 6 y/o. But would work for the occasional mail run.
3. That is good to know, thanks. This is likely more of an issue with a cab. I have pulled the kids around on toboggans using a cabless gator at -30C, and survived. We just bundled up well. Any extended use on a hot day would be at speed and the breeze should keep us cool. Rarely gets above 25C here.

I am curious what you bough.

@Paystar MSRP for the Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe is only $22,500 (+tax+PDI). You must be talking about the landed cost of the special edition?

Nope, just the Canadian rip off dealers in northern Ontario. A Pioneer 1000-5 with only a windshield added was $34,000. A Honda Talon was $36,000.

My Kubota/Deere dealer has a John Deere XUV 835M (the one with the yellow vinyl interior, not the R with the cloth) but it still has air conditioning and heat and it is $35,000.

 

[Root Cause]

Nope, just the Canadian rip off dealers in northern Ontario. A Pioneer 1000-5 with only a windshield added was $34,000. A Honda Talon was $36,000.

My Kubota/Deere dealer has a John Deere XUV 835M (the one with the yellow vinyl interior, not the R with the cloth) but it still has air conditioning and heat and it is $35,000.

That is robbery. I bought my 700-4, 2017 in 2018 for $10,600. 1000's were going for 12k