A friend is looking to sell a older 2003 arctic cat 500. It’s in awesome shape, really low miles.
Do any of you have a history with an older machine like this? I believe it’s got a Suzuki engine. I’ve read a few reviews that are not very kind to these atvs...mostly the suspension..
anyone have one of these? Like it? Any problems?
Funny he had problems starting. My 2000 500 Auto starts great in cold weather. There is a primer on the carb to reach down and prime when its cold pops right off. It has been a good machine and a workhorse. Yes it has a straight axle and much better suspension is now available but I own both Polaris and Arctic Cat and the cat has been a good machine.
My friend used to have one from early 2000. Not sure on the year but I am sure that a quad that doesn't start when cold out is very useless to haul with to go ice fishing a mile or two out. Seamed like a nice unit when it started but it didn't start at some very key times. I would think something with Arctic in it's name would be able to start when it's 15 degrees
I would buy my 2003 Arctic Cat 4X4 400 all over again. This has been an awesome machine. It gets used for plowing, ice fishing including pulling a permanent shack around, running bear baits, getting to my hunting stands and garden work.
I put a 2500 lb. Warn winch, 60" plow and deep lug aggressive tires. It's the perfect combination for everything I want to do.
The best part of the Arctic Cat 4X4 is the maintenance cost. I'm diligent about oil changes and I take it in every two years for a tune/check up to the AC dealer. The cost for service has only cost me $900 and change for 14 years of service. Knock on wood it keeps going for another 6 years.
I'm very careful with my machine. It's stored inside a garage/shed and it's never been abused.
Maybe I got lucky but I wouldn't buy anything except an Arctic Cat. I definitely got my moneys worth and continue to get my moneys worth.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Dodger
P.S. I will try to post a picture if I can find one.
