Buyer's Remorse / Insights?

[nybirdman]

Purchased a Yamaha Rhino 450 new in 2007.Currently has 3500 trouble-free miles.Use about every day for my business;one set of new tires and change the oil and filter every spring.I would purchase another if needed.I recently looked at the replacement Yamaha Viking and Honda UTV.I like everything about the new Yamaha but the price,the Honda was smaller and cramped for me.

 

[tlj87]

UTV Purchased - Model, Manufacturer, Model Year
2009 Kubota RTV 1140CPX, purchased used in 2014 with 713 hrs

Yes Would Purchase Again
Yes. Although we've only put about 4 hours on the machine, we have been very impressed. Installing windshield and plastic canopy this weekend.

UTV Purchased - Model, Manufacturer, Model Year
2000 Kawasaki Mule 2510 Gas, TRADED IN in 2014 with 809 hrs

Yes Would Purchase Again
This particular machine, no. The modern, fuel-injected 4010 models may be fine. This machine came with our property. Engine was very cold blooded. Very little suspension travel required 4x4 when going over slightly uneven terrain as only three wheels would be on the ground. Transmission would free-wheel when going down hills. Towed fine, ride was OK, not great. No power dump (although it was an option). Bed was large, however. Replaced brake hardware, shoes, rear wheel bearings, front CV boot. Was close to needing tires when traded.

UTV Purchased - Model, Manufacturer, Model Year
1993 John Deere Gator 6x4 Gas - Presently own. No hour meter, but estimate 1500-2000 hrs.

Yes Would Purchase Again
Yes. This machine came with the property. It replaced a 5-wheel AMT622. This is one of the earliest 6x4 machines made, with a low serial number. Apparently, when new, there was a problem with it fouling spark plugs. This machine has factory bedliner and power dump. Same engine as the Mule, but runs much better (different carb). Low profile is nice for certain tasks. Machine is worthless in deep snow or steering in certain situations when there is a load in the back. Replaced starter, front wheel bearings, seats (originals recovered once, but metal pans finally rotted out - then replaced with seats with plastic pans), drive belt (2013). All tires replaced in 2006.

***
We also have a 2005 Honda Recon ES 250, but it see little use. The UTV's are so much more useful.

I think the RTV should last us a while. Since this is a four-seat model, we will see how much we still use the Gator. We may end up selling the Gator. We may end up selling the Recon. We might end up selling the Gator and the Recon and getting a new(er) two-person UTV. We will get rid of something at some point. Whatever ends up happening, we want to still have two machines. Everything is paid for, so there is no pressure.

 

[rjglenn]

I have a 2008 RTV900 that has 1160 hours on it. It would have more but it sat for a year with a cracked head due to overheating. My only remorse is letting my kids drive it. That being said they are mostly grown and aren't interested any more, so it's safe with me.

It is something that I use every day. I would very much so purchase again, and I will if this one ever dies.

 

[FatTire]

I have a 2007 Gator XUV 620i. This was purchased new. If buying again, I would definitely consider one of the newer XUVs with more HP, either gas or diesel. I have a 3000 lb Warn winch, V-plow, hydraulic bed lift, half windshield, and poly canopy.
LIKES: Suspension, durability, traction.
NEGATIVES: At 9000 ft elevation this UTV is under-powered. Bent part of the plow frame on some rocks, but Deere has redesigned those pieces. Also- have to remove the front hitch receiver in order to mount plow, so this adds to the time to switch between plow and winch.

I use this to clear my driveway for anything less than about 6 inches, and for these light storms it is the fastest way to clear our place. Driveway and parking areas are about 1/4 mile. I use v-bar chains on the rear.

I have a Kubota tractor, and if buying another UTV, I would also consider an RTV, but not one of the new models because of the suspension problem.

 

[jim44]

2009 Mule 4010. Would not buy it again because of very little suspension travel, about 2 1/2". It's fine on smooth flat ground, but does not go well with rough terrain.

Probably would buy a Ranger if I was to get a re-do.

 

[big lar]

I too have a Mule 4010, fuel pump went at 350 hrs, Kawaski replaced it free, but still a hassle transporting it back and forth to dealer (about 10 miles away) at my time and expenses!

Agree it rides hard and NOT GOOD in deep snow- it was a left over 2009 so the price was right, in 2010, but likely would not buy one again.

 

[Xfaxman]

I was curious how many current UTV owners, based on what you know now, how you've used your UTV to date, based on what was also available at the time of your purchase, based on how much you had to spend, would have gone a different route and why?

UTV Purchased - Model, Manufacturer, Model Year
Polaris Ranger EV, 2013

Purchased New or Used
New

Yes Would Purchase Again
YES

Favorite Features
30 horsepower AC Induction Motor. No warm up time, just get in and go.

No, Would Not Purchase Again Would purchase Manufacturer, Model, Year instead because of X, Y, Z reasons

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/atvs-utility-vehicles/287792-electric-polaris-ranger.html

 

[foggy1111]

It is proverbial in Marketing that ANTICIPATION is 50% of SATISFACTION.

A customer who spends time researching product, and considers product research against anticipated needs, is much more likely to be satisfied after purchase.

DON'T BUY ON IMPULSE.

This is the place to research.


(I have a Kubota RTV500, purchased new.)

Yep....just like Yogi Berra said: "90% of the game is mental, the other half is physical".

 

[pathunt]

Massimo 2011 HSU-400

1st 6 months went like this -
04.30.12 First Service , Update Air Filter - missing gaskets from factory replaced , Check out gas smell and loading up on gas, Change oil , Adjust emergency brake, Repair release on passenger seat belt , out-of-service 12 days
6.22.12 Brought in to Service Department for loading up on gas , Checked it out in shop , Recommended we use Sea Foam with every tank of gas, Tech thought high and low speed jets were clogged , out of service 2 days
7.5.12 Email to Dealer , 400 loaded up on gas and died for the third time. Dealer replied to bring it in at earliest convenience 7.6.12 Returned to dealer loading up on gas and dying , Could not get vehicle started for two days , Asked on invoice if I had read owner's manual - have downloaded it and read it several times. , Dealer replaced carburetor , out of service 14 days.
08.08.12 Brought vehicle to dealership repair facility for problems with clutch smelling hot and slipping during everyday use. Service Department thought they had already repaired the clutch. We bought two 400's at the same time and we established they replaced the clutch and master cylinder in the other one (which was returned to the dealer at a significant loss).
10.19.12 Called dealership and explained that I had no to minimal brakes. The dealership owner said to bring it in and they would look at it. The 400 was there for a week and needed the master cylinder replaced. They completed the repair and returned it to me 7 days later.

Dealer added aftermarket oil cooler that I paid for later.

Has not been a good experience. Most of these are sold by dealers, but a larger one has been sold by Tractor Supply.

Starkiller Hollow.

 

[pathunt]

Continuation of Massimo 400

2nd year problems with clutch unresolved.
3rd year new tires (expected), clutch bearing failed first this year- replaced it and belt ($1,000.00 so far). master cylinder failed - replacing it and rear brake caliper - do not know about rear rotor yet.