Manufacturers of ATVs and UTVs have recently teased a number of exciting new models expected in the next few years. That’s great news for those seeking a new machine—and willing to wait. In the meantime, shoppers looking to save a few bucks can search out a great deal on an excellent used model. There are plenty of used ATVs and UTVs to consider. Start with these five models, which top our list for quality, reliability, and price.
Yamaha Rhino
Before the Yamaha Viking, Wolverine, or YXZ1000R came the Rhino. It’s no longer built, but remains one of the best used UTVs you can buy.
The Yamaha Rhino is undoubtedly the machine that helped elevate the current UTV industry into the massive category it has become. The Rhino is exceptionally tough, very reliable, and fun to drive. Although all model year Rhinos are great, we prefer 2008-2013 models due to the inclusion of the phenomenal 700cc fuel-injected engine. All Rhinos feature Yamaha’s bomb-proof Ultramatic Constant Velocity Transmission (CVT), as well as four-wheel drive and a front differential lock. WIth the discontinuation of the Rhino after 2013, and the introduction of Yamaha’s Viking, Wolverine, and now the YXZ1000R UTV’s, used Rhinos have popped up all over eBay.
Kawasaki Teryx
The Kawasaki Teryx4 is one of the most reliable four-passenger UTVs available.
In 2008, Kawasaki gave birth to the Teryx UTV. Powered by a stout, fuel-injected 750cc V-Twin and wearing a dump bed, it is equally adept at both work and play. In 2012, the Teryx4 debuted and became an immediate hit for those looking for an adventure rig capable of hauling four people. The Teryx4 rolled on a completely new chassis. For model year 2014, the original Teryx design evolved and began utilizing that same new Teryx4 chassis. For those looking for the biggest bang for the buck, 2012 and older original Teryx models can be had for a bargain basement price. Although those models don’t have all the bells and whistles of the current models, they are built like a tank.
Yamaha Grizzly 700
The Yamaha Grizzly 700 is reliable, comfortable, and an incredibly capable ATV.
Hitting the market as a 2007 model, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 gave the world its first look at Electric Power Steering (EPS) on an ATV. Remaining essentially the same, except for very small and often hard to notice changes up until 2015, all of the Grizzly 700 models pack the same tough fuel-injected engine and Ultramatic transmission. The Grizzly is comfortable, sporty, and also makes an excellent work machine. Over the years, it’s proven as one of the most reliable machines we’ve tested. With an all-new Grizzly 700 arriving this past year as a 2015 model, there are now plenty of used models available.
LT-50/LTZ-50
The best ATV to teach small kids is undoubtedly the Suzuki LT-50.
The LT-50 debuted in 1984 as a tiny 50cc two-stroke. Its most notable features are super small hand controls (unlike any other manufacturer provides) that made it the perfect choice for little kids as a starter machine. The LTZ-50 was launched in 2006, offering the same small size and comfort for young kids, but with a cleaner burning and quieter four-stroke power plant. Suzuki discontinued manufacturing the LT-Z50 ATV a few years ago. However, their popularity and cult-like following allows current owners to fetch top dollar for clean well-maintained models.
Honda Rincon 650/680
Although nearly unchanged for the last 10 years, the Honda Rincon is still one of the most reliable ATVs in production.
Originally released as the carbureted TRX650 in 2003-2005, the Honda Rincon was updated to the fuel-injected TRX680 in 2006 and has remained essentially unchanged since then. The Rincon breaks the mold by using a three-speed transmission featuring an automotive style torque converter in lieu of the industry-standard constantly variable transmission (CVT). Despite missing a locking front differential, electric power steering (EPS), and the brute horsepower of many competitors, the Rincon has an absolutely bomb-proof drivetrain and near perfect handling characteristics. Additionally, its not uncommon to see properly maintained Rincons on the trails with upwards of 20,000 off-road miles—and zero failures.
See ATVs for sale on eBay.
