Buyer's Remorse / Insights?

[ovrszd]

I don't quite know how to feel about that claim ....

I think almost anyone criss-crossing their pastures in a full size truck on a regular basis would readily appreciate a UTV. They carry/pull almost anything you need. They are more economical than larger vehicles and do less ground damage. And, they are MUCH easier to get in/out dozens of times in an afternoon. I can't imagine being without one.

Looking at the Artic Wildcat that was mentioned. THAT ONE may indeed be a "fad" purchase - mostly for fun? A working UTV is something different.

I think you and I would both be shocked at what percentage of UTVs are bought to play with, not work with. Remember, UTVs include the Polaris RZRs. In my County of 8000 population there are at least 50 of them, all owned by late teen early manhood guys to strictly play on. You can buy one with a signature.

So, you my friend don't fit the mold of the most popular buyer.

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

So, you my friend don't fit the mold of the most popular buyer.

You may be talking about the "typical buyer" but I don't think you are talking about the typical TractorByNet poster.

I bought my property, then a tractor, then a dump truck. Never bought an ATV because they just weren't as useful to me. Saved up to buy a UTV that can comfortably fit 2 people, had a bed, could pull a heavy load. It's a lot easier to run the UTV through the fields and woods to get to places, than the truck or tractor.

I have to imagine that most of us here more closely fit that mold. Maybe I'm wrong...

 

[ovrszd]

You may be talking about the "typical buyer" but I don't think you are talking about the typical TractorByNet poster.

I bought my property, then a tractor, then a dump truck. Never bought an ATV because they just weren't as useful to me. Saved up to buy a UTV that can comfortably fit 2 people, had a bed, could pull a heavy load. It's a lot easier to run the UTV through the fields and woods to get to places, than the truck or tractor.

I have to imagine that most of us here more closely fit that mold. Maybe I'm wrong...

That's probably why I used "buyer" rather than "TBN Poster".

None of the people that have ever driven my UTV are TBN Posters. Going one step farther, I'm guessing 1% or less of the UTVs purchased in this Nation are purchased by TBN Posters.

 

[Wild Bill the 2nd]

But the original poster is requesting info from TN users...

 

[ovrszd]

But the original poster is requesting info from TN users...

You got me there. So any information in this thread that might be contributed by anyone other than a TBN user should be discarded as invalid......

 

[pathunt]

TBN User:
1. Moving a small, lightweight, trailer.
2. Bringing firewood to the house.
3. Taking brush to the burn pile.
4. Have pulled 1 or 2 mudded-in vehicles to where they could get traction.
5. Go up the mt. to grandchildren.
6. Get mail.
7. Go to various fishing sites together.
8. Drag small timber off the road when it drys out.
9. MaMaw & me to go look at deer tracks, racoons, talk back to the crows, etc.

Starkiller

 

[deerehunter/operator]

Really have enjoyed our Ranger 400 HO. One problem we are dwelling on is seating though. When my first child was born I installed a third seat belt so her car seat could fit between us. Now that we have two kids there isn't enough space. I mounted a utv bench seat in the bed but its too dusty and the kids aren't protected by a rollbar. We need a crew but Ive driven my father in laws 800 crew and hate it. Too long and cumbersome. Was thinking maybe my only option is a Honda pioneer 4 seater but hard to find around here. Everyone buys rangers for the most part in our area due to the local dealers carrying them.

 

[myyaz33]

Really have enjoyed our Ranger 400 HO. One problem we are dwelling on is seating though. When my first child was born I installed a third seat belt so her car seat could fit between us. Now that we have two kids there isn't enough space. I mounted a utv bench seat in the bed but its too dusty and the kids aren't protected by a rollbar. We need a crew but Ive driven my father in laws 800 crew and hate it. Too long and cumbersome. Was thinking maybe my only option is a Honda pioneer 4 seater but hard to find around here. Everyone buys rangers for the most part in our area due to the local dealers carrying them.

You might see if you can find a Mule Pro FXT. That sounds like a possible good fit for what you are looking for.

 

[abeal]

I know this is an old thread but maybe somebody will benefit from it.

Bought a Kawasaki Mule 3010 3 years ago used (not sure of the year) with about 200 hours on it. Overall great condition. It now has almost 500 hours on it and has spent it's time with us on our 200 acre mountain farm/property in western VA. To be honest this thing has been nothing short of amazing and has performed greater than expected. It's use is 100% utility. Can compare it to a 3 seat jet ski - fun for 10 minutes but best used for work. Want something for fun ride a dirt bike or a stand up jet ski.

Anyways the only problem encountered was somebody somehow managed to lodge a large branch up through the undercarriage which in turn poked a hole in a cooling hose. Easily fixed. Added a winch - mainly used for dragging deer up ravines.

Pros
Reliability - nothing other than maintenance except for issue noted above.
Size - can fit 1 guy, 2 women in front bench seat. Will also easily carry 2 guys in front and 2 guys in bed up/down hills.
Maneuverability - would be surprised at where this thing will go in the mountains.

Cons
Tires - although they appear to have a long tread life the grip is probably sacrificed
Ground clearance/travel - an inch or two more would be nice to help clear some rocks. Have to admit the undercarriage is very well protected though.
Cup holders - there are none!

So at the end of the day I'd definitely buy another. The above mentioned cons can mostly be resolved with a lift kit/tires and this thing is so functional. Yeah it rides a little rough and power steering would be nice but those are not material issues that affect the functionality of the machine. There are a few areas where the trails are a little too narrow for the Mule so I'll use an ATV for that but everything else the Mule is choice #1.

I feel the biggest issue with buyers remorse is people buying them for the wrong reasons. They are utility machines - like pickup trucks. You want fun you buy something designed for fun like a Porsche.

 

[abeal]

I know this is an old thread but maybe somebody will benefit from it.

Bought a Kawasaki Mule 3010 3 years ago used (not sure of the year) with about 200 hours on it. Overall great condition. It now has almost 500 hours on it and has spent it's time with us on our 200 acre mountain farm/property in western VA. To be honest this thing has been nothing short of amazing and has performed greater than expected. It's use is 100% utility. Can compare it to a 3 seat jet ski - fun for 10 minutes but best used for work. Want something for fun ride a dirt bike or a stand up jet ski.

Anyways the only problem encountered was somebody somehow managed to lodge a large branch up through the undercarriage which in turn poked a hole in a cooling hose. Easily fixed. Added a winch - mainly used for dragging deer up ravines.

Pros
Reliability - nothing other than maintenance except for issue noted above.
Size - can fit 1 guy, 2 women in front bench seat. Will also easily carry 2 guys in front and 2 guys in bed up/down hills.
Maneuverability - would be surprised at where this thing will go in the mountains.

Cons
Tires - although they appear to have a long tread life the grip is probably sacrificed
Ground clearance/travel - an inch or two more would be nice to help clear some rocks. Have to admit the undercarriage is very well protected though.
Cup holders - there are none!

So at the end of the day I'd definitely buy another. The above mentioned cons can mostly be resolved with a lift kit/tires and this thing is so functional. Yeah it rides a little rough and power steering would be nice but those are not material issues that affect the functionality of the machine. There are a few areas where the trails are a little too narrow for the Mule so I'll use an ATV for that but everything else the Mule is choice #1.

I feel the biggest issue with buyers remorse is people buying them for the wrong reasons. They are utility machines - like pickup trucks. You want fun you buy something designed for fun like a Porsche.