UTV Experience/Advice

[4Rager]

My friend and I are looking to get a 2 seater UTV, so for those of you that have first hand experience, I have a few questions. First of all I'm not 100% if we will get a used one or a new one, but if used our budget would probably be about $10k. New we would likely finance part of it but pay at least 50% down.

Brands:
We are looking at a Rzr 900, but are not 100% married to that model. What are the major differences between the Rzr and comparable offerings from Can-Am, Yamaha etc.?

Trim Level:
Initially we were looking at getting the base model and doing all the upgrades ourselves. Preliminary research indicates this may not be the best idea. For example (using new 2016 pricing) the Rzr S 900 is $1900 more than the base Rzr 900. Initially it seemed like the only difference was the "S" comes with Fox suspension. Well upon further research, in addition to the Fox coilovers, it also has what is essentially a long travel kit. So that being said, the "upgrade kits" for the non-S Rzr are about $1700 and reuse the stock shocks. For that amount of money it seems like it would better to just pay $1900 for the "S" and get Fox coilovers along with it. This is just an example, but I liken it to the 5th gen TRD Pro argument which is "yes it's better stock for stock, but if you're going to upgrade anyway it's a waste of money". What are your experiences here?

Another example would be power steering. As a factory option it's almost $2000, but there are aftermarket power steering kits for $500-$800. Are those just as good as the factor "EPS" as they call it?

Any other thoughts or comments?

 

[wnelax04sr5]

the difference in brand depends largely on what you plan to do with the vehicle. if you're out in the open running deserts and dunes, you want to be in the RZR XP or S series, the suspension will be best suited for that type of UTVing. if you're on wider trails that allow for some speed, i think a can am maverick is a great option, although more on the pricey side and from what I've seen aren't as well appointed in terms of options and creature comforts as competing polaris models. if you're on tight trails, the polaris RZR trail series, either 570 or 900, are the only way to go. I ride trails in new england where nothing is much wider than 60" or so, and polaris is the only and best option.

Drivetrains are going to be incredibly similar between Polaris and Can-Am because the competition is so fierce. All use a clutched CVT with twin or v-twin motors, and the horsepower numbers across brands for similar models are basically identical.

I personally would pick polaris no matter what, because i have a sportsman ATV, i ride with a guy who has a Scrambler 850, and another who has a RZR 900 trail with EPS. Slight bias towards the brand but I've never been left on the side of the trail and I'm never sore or uncomfortable during or at the end of a day long ride.

if you're mechanically inclined, id say save the cash and go for the aftermarket power steering, the kits are basically identical to the factory options except in the case of Can-Am who use a tri-mode DPS (dynamic power steering). Id also look into the inventory of prior-year models to save yourself the most cash, you can have the same equipment for thousands less just because they're 2014 or 2015 models.

 

[sam_KOR]

If I were you, I’d probably just go for the RZR S trim instead of the base and upgrading later, it’s usually cheaper and way less hassle to have the Fox shocks and long travel suspension from the start, especially if you’re planning on doing any serious trail riding. I’ve messed around with aftermarket power steering kits before, and while they work fine for the price, the factory EPS feels smoother and more reliable in the long run. As for brands, I’ve ridden a few different ones, and RZR feels more sporty and nimble, Can-Am rides a bit smoother and is more comfortable, and Yamaha is super reliable but maybe not as flashy. Really comes down to what kind of riding you want and how much you want to fuss with upgrades.