Needing to replace my atv. A friend has a 2008 Polaris sportsman 500 H/O with 900 miles. I’m pretty sure he took decent care of it. Had a mechanic look at it and it needs a drive belt and a selanoid. Anyone have one similar and have opinions on that particular machine. He’s wanting $3,000 for it.

I have a 2004, still runs like a champ.......................

I’ve got a 2000 or 01 can’t remember for sure but it’s been dang good. It also needs a starter or solenoid haven’t dug into it yet. $3500 seems like plenty

Hmph....

Polaris used to have a lifetime replacement for the belt, that’s one time free. If it’s already on the second belt something is wrong. One belt in 1000 miles puzzles me. I have had two 500’s, great machines and I used to be Jap only for motorcycles and ATV’s until I road a full independent suspension Polaris through a rough gopher mound infested pasture. If that’s all that’s wrong get him down to 2500 and buy it.

I have two 2001 500 HO's that are still going strong on the original drive belts. Had to replace the needle and seat in the carb on one of them this spring. Deep water works on the drive belts, I have not had any issues with either machine.

I have a 99-2000 Polaris 500 as well. It been a great machine,I have replaced belt , starter(3), tires ,brakes(2), and needle/seat in 23 years. Still runs and functions well, approx. 5000 miles.

2005 Polaris 500 HO here and it has had little done to the engine, new carb only. Great machine, way better than the new ones. Belt change I think 3 times over all those years.
Wouldn't hesitate if it only needs those things.

Had a 2020
Had lots of electrical issues

Bought a new Honda again

Thanks for the input. Going to get it. Been looking for awhile and affordable used atv’s aren’t easy to come by.

I have a 2013. Not many problems with it. Ignition switch acted up once but that was after a heavy rain and I haven't had problems since. Starter just went out last month. Kind of a pain to replace but not that big of a deal. Other than that, no issues.

I've put 4k miles on it in 8 or so years. Been high in the mountains in 2+ feet of snow and many miles through swamps deer hunting. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

Thank you Michigander.

I have a 1997 500 Sportsman with a little over 9,000 miles, still runs great but I take it in to the shop every spring. It's a workhorse, sprays weeds in my pasture, pulls a drag to smooth out my 150 yard gravel driveway, drags my upper pasture.

I have a 1993 350L Polaris 6x6 and 1995 400L Polaris 4 wheeler and they start when everything else won't.

Yes but Yamaha ain’t no slouch I just prefer Honda