Mike D

Polaris made a diesel.

Check out the Outlaw.. http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-...Models/Outlaw/

TAS05CTD610

I bought a 2003 Yamaha Wolverine. They arn't making them past 05 (some new 450, auto tranny all that) I love mine, it's a semi auto (auto clutch but you still shift gears) Sits up nice and high, has lots of ground clearance, about 8 inches of suspension travel, there 4x4, but you can buy a warn unlocker for them so you can run 2 or 4 wheel drive. There a blast, rear rack, can buy a front one. Turns great, it's a 350cc air cooled motor, very simple to maintain. I love mine, bought bigger tires for it, skid plates, this and that, and wouldn't trade it for the world. here's a few of my favorite pics (not sure if they'll show up)

gatf4

I can tell you for sure that you can't go wrong with the Raptor 660R. Mines been great for three years. I've had to replace the battery and the needle and seat stuck closed over last winter. I haven't found a hill this thing couldn't climb, its unbelievable. I've crashed it twice and replaced the bars twice but it has had no major problems. Buy used for sure though, check on E-bay theres usually a bunch listed. Hold on tight

DieselRaptor

As a lot of people have said, the Z 400 is a nice smooth ride. My friend that has been riding for way too long owns one. It's just a smooth ride. Decent horsepower (stock) and very well balanced. Every bit as well set up as a 400EX except liquid cooled . We ride in the dunes most of the time and that non air cooled set up makes a HUGE difference. I don't know squat about utility quads, but in todays market w/ sport quads look at the Yamaha 450 or the Raptor or Honda 450ex.

I have a Raptor that I would not trade for anything (torque, baby and GPS'd at +70mph in SOFT sand) Of course, I spent 20 days in the hospital when I missed a turn on it but thats not the quads fault. My wife has a 400EX and it rides like a dream but as posted earlier, today it's all about having a radiator.

rebal

I have 4 suzuki ltz 400, 2 ozarks super machines also have 1 honda ex sport trax 250 the kids love riding it but it has had a lot more problems then the suzukis. 1 also have a yamaha 250 bear tracker its gutles but has a real low 1st gear and works good when pulling heavy stuff all in all as lon as you buy a major brand you should be ok. the cheep stuff out of china and korea are hard to get parts and service and my own personal opinion not as reliable.
parts are very important believe me, when you crash and you will, try and get the cheepo stuff

ride safe and use your safety gear.

ps . the oldest 1 is a 2002

barracuda

Thanks everyone for all the insight, I have decided on the Suzuki LTZ 400 after researching the different types of bikes. It narrowed down to the Kawasaki 400 and the Suzuki 400 but alot of you gave me "hands-on" feedback on the Suzi so my decesion is made. It seems for the price and the fact it is liquid cooled it is probably my best bet, I love the Raptor's but I know I will never use it's full power so kind of a waste of money for me, I had that power w/ the 500 Quadzilla long ago and I rarely used it then, Thanks again everyone.....Now if I can just find a dealer that will not gouge my eyeballs out b/c these things seem popular where I live

suzukiZrider

great choice

Tfeore

Between the Kawasaki and Suzuki, get which ever one is cheaper, they are the exact same unit 'cept for the color. I wish mine (05 LTZ400) had not been stolen My avatar is my daughter and I on mine...
Although my Ranger is way cool too, and safer for the little one.
tom