UTV - Trying to Decide

[deserteagle71]

I know that UTVs are attractive options, but for the money, function, and overall value, you are WAY better off getting an older 4X4 small pickup (like an old ranger.) For less than $3K, you can have a 4 wheel drive, heated (and poss A/C) fully enclosed cab truck that is STREET LEGAL! Beyond that, parts availability are WAY better and cheaper for a 10 year old truck than a 5 year old UTV. Again, the fact that it can be street legal means that you can drive it to pick up stuff at the local store.
I am analyst by trade, and a self confessed tool/equipment junkie. I have multiple tractors and other 'toys', UH, I mean 'Tools.' But there is not an argument in the world that I can find to justify the cost of the UTVs. 3 to 4 times MORE expensive for an open cab, with limited parts availability that you can never legally drive on the street. Just my 2 cents worth.

Agreed...if all you will be using the UTV for is working around the farm or ranch.

But if you are trail riding on rough roads or trails your financial justifications mean nothing. The pounding your body, and the body of whatever pickup or SUV, will take will very quickly make you wish you were riding in a soft-riding UTV.

This shot is of a fairly typical dirt road out here. Driving it in my pickup - I thought the dash was about to come apart. In a UTV with soft tires and soft suspension - just a nice smooth fast ride.

 

[Byddyro]

I've been looking at utvs too. I looked at Polaris Ranger, Yamaha Wolverine and Honda Pioneer 700-4 Deluxe. I like the Honda the best, and it's the only side by side that's shaft driven and not belt or chain driven like the others. I'm looking at 4 seaters only. The Honda has a load capacity of 1000 pounds which is more than most others, and it has a dump bed when the rear seats are folded down. I also consider a small car or truck, but they are a little too big to go some places I need to go.
I've also had trouble finding the Honda Pioneer especially. Some dealers allow you place a deposit on one to reserve one when it is shipped, and I'm seriously thinking of doing that. Fyi different dealers charge different amounts for the destination cost and dealer fees. I found one about 30 miles from me that charges $700 less than all the others nearby.

 

[Like2read!]

I've pretty much decided I'm going to buy a UTV but I'm having a hard time taking the plunge, particularly because the price is hard swallow for what your getting in a lot of cases. I doubt I'll buy new, as I don't think I can come in under $25k for what I want and I refuse to spend more than that.

I don't have any particular jobs I intend to put it to work on, just want a general little utility vehicle on the property that I'll also use for recreation. I'm right on the trail network that links to lots of friends/family and I see myself doing lots of that. I'll probably put tracks on in the winter.

I've also decided that I don't really want one unless I get a hard cab with glass windshield and heater. That somewhat limits the options and pretty much keeps me more or less in the utility side of things. I was originally looking at the Honda Pioneer and Yamaha Wolverine 4-5 seaters so I had room for the family, but I don't think those machines are well suited to a full cab (without losing the bed). I do NOT want a long wheelbase (crew) machine. I figured I'll just end up getting the kids a RZR 170 or something so they can tag along from time to time. A large bed like a Ranger or Kubota would be great, but I think I could live with a smaller one like on a Pioneer or Wolverine.

I have a lot of miles in a Kubota RTV X1100C at work, and I absolutely love the cab, ice cold air/hot heat and the solid, tractor-like build. They are SO slow though and not a huge fan of the HST. I might be able to live with one, but with the amount of road/trail running I might want to do, I don't think it's the best solution. Are any of the other RTVs somewhat comparable as far as the cab and solid build, but with a more road friendly engine/tranny?

I'm also looking at Polaris Rangers but my biggest worry with them is reliability, especially if I buy used. I have considered a smaller Ranger (570) as I think they are less prone to tranny problems like the bigger Rangers (and are a lot cheaper to buy new), but I'm worried about power with tracks. The accessories and aftermarket seems huge for the Rangers.

I love most things Honda puts it's name on and I was sure I would go with a Pioneer at one point, but I've heard they are very loud and I don't think the cabs are integrated all that well.

I just started looking at Wolverines from Yamaha. which seem like the cabs are a little better than the Hondas. I don't know how refined they are with a cab on. I'm a big fan of Yamaha too, and might even consider an older Rhino and save some $...

A Can-Am Defender or Commander might be an option, but finding a used one with a cab and heat (especially a Commander) is not easy and new is exorbitant.

The other option I'm considering is a Japanese mini-truck. I really like the looks of the little deckvans and many come with air and they are MUCH cheaper than a SxS/UTV. Not easy to find a ready to buy solution though (in Canada).

Anyway, just looking for general thoughts and insights.

 

[Like2read!]

I've pretty much decided I'm going to buy a UTV but I'm having a hard time taking the plunge, particularly because the price is hard swallow for what your getting in a lot of cases. I doubt I'll buy new, as I don't think I can come in under $25k for what I want and I refuse to spend more than that.

I don't have any particular jobs I intend to put it to work on, just want a general little utility vehicle on the property that I'll also use for recreation. I'm right on the trail network that links to lots of friends/family and I see myself doing lots of that. I'll probably put tracks on in the winter.

I've also decided that I don't really want one unless I get a hard cab with glass windshield and heater. That somewhat limits the options and pretty much keeps me more or less in the utility side of things. I was originally looking at the Honda Pioneer and Yamaha Wolverine 4-5 seaters so I had room for the family, but I don't think those machines are well suited to a full cab (without losing the bed). I do NOT want a long wheelbase (crew) machine. I figured I'll just end up getting the kids a RZR 170 or something so they can tag along from time to time. A large bed like a Ranger or Kubota would be great, but I think I could live with a smaller one like on a Pioneer or Wolverine.

I have a lot of miles in a Kubota RTV X1100C at work, and I absolutely love the cab, ice cold air/hot heat and the solid, tractor-like build. They are SO slow though and not a huge fan of the HST. I might be able to live with one, but with the amount of road/trail running I might want to do, I don't think it's the best solution. Are any of the other RTVs somewhat comparable as far as the cab and solid build, but with a more road friendly engine/tranny?

I'm also looking at Polaris Rangers but my biggest worry with them is reliability, especially if I buy used. I have considered a smaller Ranger (570) as I think they are less prone to tranny problems like the bigger Rangers (and are a lot cheaper to buy new), but I'm worried about power with tracks. The accessories and aftermarket seems huge for the Rangers.

I love most things Honda puts it's name on and I was sure I would go with a Pioneer at one point, but I've heard they are very loud and I don't think the cabs are integrated all that well.

I just started looking at Wolverines from Yamaha. which seem like the cabs are a little better than the Hondas. I don't know how refined they are with a cab on. I'm a big fan of Yamaha too, and might even consider an older Rhino and save some $...

A Can-Am Defender or Commander might be an option, but finding a used one with a cab and heat (especially a Commander) is not easy and new is exorbitant.

The other option I'm considering is a Japanese mini-truck. I really like the looks of the little deckvans and many come with air and they are MUCH cheaper than a SxS/UTV. Not easy to find a ready to buy solution though (in Canada).

Anyway, just looking for general thoughts and insights.

Might look at a Roxor. Parts are less expensive. A lot of the features are stronger/bigger. They are fantastic.

 

[plastikosmd]

Clearly the answer is to buy a jeep, mini truck, rtv and rzr

(this is why I am terrible at advise)

 

[ArlyA]

Have done thousdays our hours doing work in the field, I'd get a UTV. Having said that, I got us a 6x6. Where did I go wrong!!!

 

[wawajake]

I have had a kubota x1100c for 4 yrs now , work around the farm, and trail riding with friend that has Polaris that gies much faster than me in theory.....EXCEPT, on the rough trails and gravel roads we both dont exceed 25 mph anyway, so my speed actually does not slow down the team anyway. EXCEPT...my Kubota cab is warmer truck like tough and my hydraulic box can handle things easier.

 

[Zebrafive]

Textron Prowler Pro XT. Now called Arctic Cat Prowler Pro, also known as Tracker 800. Caterpillar has a job site version too.
Designed by Textron and Caterpillar after Textron bought Arctic Cat. Arctic Cat had no part in the original design.
Have had mine for 2 years now with zero issues. I use it often around the property with about 500 miles on it now.
Most quiet, smoothest UTV of all that i tested. (Can Am, Polaris, Deere and Kubota) Fits a full size skid in the back, easy in and out, easy dumping bed, easy servicing.
Uses actual 1/2 hard doors and no nets. Full bench seat fits (3) 220lb adults.
Has hard cab options but the accessories are pretty pricey I think.
I would definitely give it a look. Prices were quite a bit less than the others listed above at that time but not sure where they are at now.

I think these use the same 3cylinder engine that some Gators and Mules use. I wanted to check these out, but no close dealers.

 

[Zebrafive]

I know that UTVs are attractive options, but for the money, function, and overall value, you are WAY better off getting an older 4X4 small pickup (like an old ranger.) For less than $3K, you can have a 4 wheel drive, heated (and poss A/C) fully enclosed cab truck that is STREET LEGAL! Beyond that, parts availability are WAY better and cheaper for a 10 year old truck than a 5 year old UTV. Again, the fact that it can be street legal means that you can drive it to pick up stuff at the local store.
I am analyst by trade, and a self confessed tool/equipment junkie. I have multiple tractors and other 'toys', UH, I mean 'Tools.' But there is not an argument in the world that I can find to justify the cost of the UTVs. 3 to 4 times MORE expensive for an open cab, with limited parts availability that you can never legally drive on the street. Just my 2 cents worth.

I think MANY can and do justify a UTV. I am one of them.
I would rather have something I want, than a pile of $$$ that my kids will end up with.

 

[MoKelly]

Dealers around here have no (none) utility ATV’s in stock. They have the “sport” ATV’s but no work ATV’s.

I’d like a UTV but honestly cannot justify the price v my usage.

MoKelly