Used Mule...

[BamaRob]

2005 Kawasaki Mule 4x4 top, windshield, only 90 hours, garage kept, adult owned, absolutely like new, $6500

The above ad was in a local classified rag this past week. My dad is looking to get a UV for he and my mother to use around their farm. Will mainly be used for going back/forth to the pond, hauling tools and supplies for gardening, fencing, brush clearing, etc. Their property is mostly gently rolling hills, but there are a few steeper hills around. There will be very little mud (land is mostly sandy uplands), but there may be a small branch crossing or two.

He's been looking at the Mule, and I picked up brochures for him from Polaris, JD, and Kubota. He hasn't actually driven any of them yet, but likes the specs on the Mule. I suggested to him, that with this size purchase, he should at least drive them all on the dealers' lots. And, if possible, have demo models brought out to his place to try out.

My question... If, after driving a few of them, he is satisfied that the Mule will meet his intended uses, is the above ad a "good" buy? We really have no idea how well these things hold their value, so we don't know what the expected selling price would be on a 2005 with 90 hours.

Thanks,

BR

 

[Podunkadunk]

Hi BamaRob...I'm in Alabama too, around the Dothan area...

Anyhow, I just posted myself, we had a little problem that was quickly and easily fixed...you can read it if you want (it's just below this post)...

The Mules are great for the money. Easily wins the "bang for the buck". No frills, not too many bells and whistles, but my wife swears by it and I can attest (from the few times she actually lets me drive) that it's an awesome machine with plenty of "around the farm" type power. It'll serve their purpose well from what I read on your post.

I bought it up in Lagrange, Ga (about 40 miles northeast of Columbus). I got it out the door for $6,300.00. It's an '07 4x4 model 610 in green.

I put (and highly recommend adding) a front grill guard on it. It's made by Bison, but I'm sure Kawi will have their own...costs about $350.00, but I paid 319.00 out the door for it.

Note that I got an agricultural exemption on the price I listed above on the Mule, therefore no state taxes. They should qualify for something like that from your description of their farm.

As for a windshield, not sure of the cost, but you can get a bikini top for it for less than a hundred bucks on the 'net.

Maybe this will help you out some.

Also, locally (within 50 miles of me) the best out the door price I could get the Mule for was $6635.00. Prices do vary from dealer to dealer, although the markup doesn't seem to be very dramatic from one to the other.

Good luck, post your final decision.

Podunk

 

[coobie]

What model #mule?I sold my 2002 Kaw.3010 mule last year same setup as the one in the add,I had 227 hours on mine and sold it for $6500.Call a Kaw.dealer and see if he can give you a blue book price on the Mule.I sold my mule to get a 2006 kubota RTV 900 and love it.coobie

 

[Oleozz]

Mules are good tough machines, I would be unable to train bird dogs without it. They aren't fancy and my biggest complaint is how rough they ride. I sit on a big pillow when riding and that does help smooth things out. I would be sure to check what model it is, if it's a 3010 I don't think that's a bad price. New in this area they sell for around $8400.

 

[BamaRob]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not sure of the model number of the Mule in the ad. After talking with my dad this evening, he's convinced that he wants a diesel engine (that would be my preference, also). Plus, he'd much rather have a new machine with the attractive financing and (especially) the warranty that goes along with it.

So, I don't think he's interested in the one listed in the ad. If anyone is interested, the phone number listed in the ad is (205)799-3700. This was in a Tuscaloosa, AL area rag (The ClassiTides).

Dad's been talking with UTV owners that he works with. From those discussions, I think he's leaning towards the RTV 900 (Worksite model). Who else besides Kawasaki (Mule 3010) and JD (XUV) offer a diesel UTV?

Later,

BR

 

[john_bud]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not sure of the model number of the Mule in the ad. After talking with my dad this evening, he's convinced that he wants a diesel engine (that would be my preference, also). Plus, he'd much rather have a new machine with the attractive financing and (especially) the warranty that goes along with it.

So, I don't think he's interested in the one listed in the ad. If anyone is interested, the phone number listed in the ad is (205)799-3700. This was in a Tuscaloosa, AL area rag (The ClassiTides).

Dad's been talking with UTV owners that he works with. From those discussions, I think he's leaning towards the RTV 900 (Worksite model). Who else besides Kawasaki (Mule 3010) and JD (XUV) offer a diesel UTV?

Later,

BR

I think those are the only one with diesel engines. The Kawasaki is a real fuel sipper with gas engine (have a 3010 4x4 and love it). Diesel use must be microscopic. The Kubota is also be a great machine, but is a step up in almost every regard to the Kaw. Mostly that's good, but for some uses, the larger size, width, weight and price could be a problem. Typically only the last one is an issue!

jb

 

[coobie]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not sure of the model number of the Mule in the ad. After talking with my dad this evening, he's convinced that he wants a diesel engine (that would be my preference, also). Plus, he'd much rather have a new machine with the attractive financing and (especially) the warranty that goes along with it.

So, I don't think he's interested in the one listed in the ad. If anyone is interested, the phone number listed in the ad is (205)799-3700. This was in a Tuscaloosa, AL area rag (The ClassiTides).

Dad's been talking with UTV owners that he works with. From those discussions, I think he's leaning towards the RTV 900 (Worksite model). Who else besides Kawasaki (Mule 3010) and JD (XUV) offer a diesel UTV?

Later,

BR

I think cub cadet makes a Cat.diesel also.But I bais I like my Kubota RTV 900,coobie.

 

[TWO GUNS]

Like Coobie,
There is ALOT of folks down here, that has sold thier other utv's for the diesel RTV Kubotas. Once they see & test fire 'em. They are sold, right on the spot. Yes, there is some good utv's on the market, but like the old man down on the other farm said. " If you don't know any better, it don't bother you, you think the utv you have is good, but once you see & experiance the Kubota RTV, makes everything else seem so weak, and obsolete ! A good set of working mules & horses was good at one time in the corn fields, but as life goes on and you buy a real tractor, it makes you wonder how in the helll you manage to even grow a stalk of corn !!! "