I know zilch about four wheelers so, in your all's opinion how much would a decent used 4x4 cost?

Somewhere between $1000 and $7000.
Sorry, not much help but there are endless variables. Like asking how much a used car will cost.

True. I just want one that runs good and don't care about the year. 4x4 and electric start are on my wish list.

perfect time of year to buy one. lots of dealers closing out last years models. Shop around - you will find some good deals. If you can get one with EPS - electric power steering, its awesome. Use mine all the time for trapping, hunting, and work on the farm. Would recommend 4 wheel drive for sure.

I got two Honda 4x4's.I like the honda for trapping.It is midsized,it has an electric start,with a pull cord or kickstart,a decompresser(cause the compression is a bear)and a primer for below zero weather starting.
You should be able to get a good used honda for around 3 grand.

I have an older Polaris 6x6 with dump bed. It has worked well for me over the years. I would buy one with a snow blade, sure comes in handy.

B

I would be lost without my Honda 450 rancher 4x4 ! To me a four wheeler is a bit more versatile in timber areas. Utv have a bigger hauling capasity but there size limits there ability.And they leave bigger ruts in soft terrain. Most farmers care less about a 4 wheeler tracks

Go Yamaha or Honda for reliability .

Like Toyota ..

My 2010 Polaris 300 works OK but is uncomfortably loud. Rode with a landowner on his older Honda and couldn't believe how quiet it was. Wish I had a Honda.

That's just a matter of trying a different muffler.

Having been on and worked on a few (not all, but a few), I’ll probably only every buy Suzuki, Honda or Can-Am. Good quality machines. As far as used price, it’s like M.magis said. It comes down to “how used?” How much do you want to work on it? How many more years/miles do you want it to run without needing repairs? If I were shopping now, I’d plan on spending $3000-5000 for something less than 15 years old than won’t need any significant repairs for several years. Above that price range I could get something in almost--new shape.

I have two Honda Rancher 350's with manual shift, there like 02 and 03 I believe. They never sleep inside and almost always start. If battery or starter dies ya just yank the cord. They are light enough to move around by hand if needed and fit in the back of even a smaller pick up box. I have pulled crazy big loads of fire wood, boats, trailers full of wet beaver and trapping gear etc. Only a few times when pulling my larger (18') boat out of the river on sand have I wished for more power, but not often. Very easy on fuel also, full tank last me weeks put putting from house to river. I also love the hands free and trouble free shifting of the manual foot shift system. In short, buy a used Rancher for $1500-$3000 and I doubt you'll be sorry.

I had a Honda 300 and a Honda 350 rancher as well. Now I have a Polaris 700 and I wish I never got rid of the Hondo 350!

2012 Yamaha Grizzly 550 would not know what to do without it. Very reliable machine that is a joy to trap off of.

You said electric start and 4x4 are on your wish list. Don’t consider any model missing either one. Make sure that it has kickstart or pullstart backup.

Many used atvs are very rough. Look for one owned by an older person. Never buy one used by a kid or teenager. Pay less than half of new price, or buy new. Evaluate what it needs. Tires are expensive! Stick with Honda or Yamaha. Change the oil and filter regularly. If you buy new or a cream puff used model and take care of it, it will last a very long time! I have bought new and used cream puffs - all worked out very well. An atv is great. It can go nearly anywhere. Where it won’t go, you need either waders or a boat. Fuel economy is unbelievable!

A UTV is even better!. It can haul 2 people safely and comfortably. Some have a roof and windshield - really nice in nasty weather. A UTV will haul much more gear - less need to rig ways to add more cargo. My UTV is a diesel and loud. My buddy’s is gas and louder. Fuel economy is tremendous!

I don’t mind walking, but walking is just too slow. My atv and UTV are like rolling tool / gear boxes. Very handy, safe, and I can accomplish a lot. I use mine every day and would be lost without them.

As someone suggested, a snowplow is a nice add on. Make sure that it is easy to remove when not in use. Other important features are mirrors, grab handles, cup holders, gun rack, gps mount, and a winch.

This is subjective, but I would get the biggest engine available. Too much horsepower? Never!

I bought this Honda 350 with electric shift. It had giant 18'' over sized tires and a lift kit on it bu tit could not get into 5th gear because the tires were too big. I took the tires and rims off and sold them and got enough to buy new tires. It had a problem with an electrical part but I got a new one and it's worked fine. I paid 41,700.00 for it. Both front CV joints are shot and they will need some work but the four wheel drive works fine for now. This thing hauls me all over. I have used the tar out of it. It runs good in hot or cold weather. I ran it at minus 25 Fahrenheit. Always starts. I had a Yamaha 250 Bayou for about two years and it was ok but snow more than 4'' deep was a problem for it. I also cut timber and posts in the winter with it and have a trailer and a small manure spreader I pull with it. It only let me down one time.

^ Hard to beat the Honda's for straight work. The cv shafts like Larry said is about the only maintenance on them most of the time.

I have a 2000 yamaha big bear for sale if interested. 400 4x4. I'm in central IA. $1800 obo.

This is my rig 2001 arctic cat 250 4x4 I like the smaller foot print for what I do. Front rack is for tool bag and bait bag,back rack traps dry dirt,earth anchors and garbage can to throw critters in. I also have a homemade windshield that bolts to the back of the front box and heated hand grips and muffs for the handle bars. Made running traps way easier last january when it was in the single digits. I bought it in 2010 for 1000 bucks. I still have dads 1985 honda 250 have done nothing to it put reg maint stuff. Mother in law has had 2 different honda's just regular maint on them she's running a 2007 500 foreman right now.
J

That's a nice outfit illinideer.