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| Author | Message | 
| Borrego Member
 | # Posted: 28 Dec 2012 09:11pm Reply
 
 What are some ideas for a small vehicle to get around sandy dirt roads that are in our area? Not legal roads so it could be anything... mainly for the wife to use to get around and see the neighbors while I work away. It should be a 2 seater at least, gas powered as I have no electricity to recharge batteries and something I can pick up used for cheep....
 
 
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| EvoQ Member
 | # Posted: 28 Dec 2012 10:33pm Reply
 
 Take a Look at the Original "Side by Side" the Kawasaki Mule. Go  Here to Check these Side by Sides out.
 
 The Kawasaki Mule was the First Side by Side, now they are all the rage. Some are even made into racers but the original Kawasaki Mules were meant to be utilitarian by nature.
 
 I know you can find one fairly reasonable because allot of Construction managers use them on job Sites. So there are lots of used ones that are in fairly good condition.
 
 All these side by sides can carry 2 full Sized Adults comfortably, are 4x4 wheel drive, and even have a small truck like bed in the rear. The above linked to site will also show you some other Brands and Models if you want to get an idea of what is available. Hope this helps.
 
 
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| MtnDon Member
 | # Posted: 28 Dec 2012 11:01pm Reply
 
 There's a rancher here who has a couple of Japanese "Kei Class" or "K-Class" mini trucks. There are not road legal in the USA, not sure about Canada. Do a Google.
 
 
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| hattie Member
 | # Posted: 29 Dec 2012 12:22pm Reply
 
 We hve a Yamaha Rhino side by side and LOVE it!!!!  It is easy to drive and seats 2 (but you can buy ones that seat 4 if you want).  It also has nice storage in the back if you have to move anything big on rough ground.  Our dog enjoys riding in the back!
 
 
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| Rob_O 
 | # Posted: 29 Dec 2012 02:45pm Reply
 
 Check your local Craigslist for the little Suzuki 4*4 trucks, Samurai, Sidekick and the GEO tracker equivalent. Very capable stock, with a few modifications they can climb mountains... and cheap!
 
 
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| Anonymous 
 | # Posted: 29 Dec 2012 02:51pm Reply
 
 My wife and I were looking into getting a side by side.  Found an old Willys 51 jeep for 1/2 the cost of a used side by side.
 
 
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| Borrego Member
 | # Posted: 29 Dec 2012 02:56pm Reply
 
 Thanks all. I will check these out, good ideas all 'round....
 
 
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| fpw Member
 | # Posted: 29 Dec 2012 03:16pm - Edited by: fpw Reply
 
 I use my ATV all the time...pulling,hauling, lifting, rigging, and getting my wife and I to and from our place (as I am three miles into the woods via Goat Path).
 
 Not as convenient as a side by side, but the price is much better.
 
 Each spring Polaris has a very good rebate on new equipment.  Normally this occurs in Feb or March.
 
 
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| OwenChristensen Member
 | # Posted: 20 Jul 2013 07:11am Reply
 
 I got me this yesterday. I now have two, one that need a total restore, and this one that's dang near perfect. Not one nick or spot of rust. I won't drive it the 75 miles to the cabin , but once there, I have a lot for it to do and rides around the country side are always fun.
 
 
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| bronco_ed Member
 | # Posted: 6 Aug 2013 12:51pm Reply
 
 Nice...
 
 
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| jrbarnard Member
 | # Posted: 6 Aug 2013 09:34pm Reply
 
 mine.. 2013 Polaris Ranger 500 Crew EFI
 
 
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| knock Member
 | # Posted: 6 Aug 2013 10:00pm Reply
 
 jrbarnard - I am looking at that same model. Are you happy with it? Does it ever seem sluggish when loaded down ? (I know they make an 800 also)
 
 
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| jrbarnard Member
 | # Posted: 6 Aug 2013 10:18pm Reply
 
 The thing is so freaking smooth and goes anywhere I need/want it to go. Can't see spending the money for a larger one.
 
 Very happy with it, just get a dual axle trailer and 12 ft long. I traded the one in the pic for a dual and it is sooo much nicer.
 
 Gas mileage is awesome, just not on the truck when pulling it :P
 
 R
 
 
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| Borrego Member
 | # Posted: 7 Aug 2013 10:35pm Reply
 
 Well I started this thread, so here's my update - I got a deal on a gas powered golf cart, an old 2 stroke oil Yamaha, probably from 1980 (?) Low hours, and great shape, need to put a top on it (got the one you see in the pic for free, just have to modify it, as it is from a newer model). It will be perfect for putting around the mostly flat roads in the desert! Any ideas for upgrades or modifications?
 
 
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| groingo Member
 | # Posted: 8 Aug 2013 01:54pm Reply
 
 That is exactly what I was going to suggest, a good Yamaha G1 gas powered...nice, just keep the engine area clean and they just go and go!
 
 
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| Dillio187 Member
 | # Posted: 8 Aug 2013 04:24pm Reply
 
 I want a side by side to explore in a bad way...maybe yet this fall.
 
 I've been using an '82 ATC 110 and an '86 ATC 250SX to date.  They have been reliable and faithful to date!
 
 
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| trollbridge Member
 | # Posted: 8 Aug 2013 05:03pm Reply
 
 Sold our 4 wheeler in hopes of getting a side by side also for exploring. Mr. Troll is keeping a keen eye out on craigs list for that and a pontoon boat. Men and their toys!
 
 
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| OwenChristensen Member
 | # Posted: 9 Aug 2013 08:37am Reply
 
 You guys will love a side x side. I had a Kubota until I needed the money and sold it. Now by Bronco will have to do for 1/3 the price.
 
 
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| bugs Member
 | # Posted: 9 Aug 2013 05:11pm - Edited by: bugs Reply
 
 Err
 These have been working very well for us. 20 years old and still going strong with only minor repairs. And the health benefits are enormous not to mention they are very, very  quiet.
  I guess you could call them a side by side! 
 
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| OwenChristensen Member
 | # Posted: 9 Aug 2013 06:06pm Reply
 
 I tried them, but after a couple cords of wood I got tired.
 
 
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| TheWildMan Member
 | # Posted: 9 Aug 2013 06:10pm Reply
 
 side by side ATV is best if you can afford one
 
 
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| Just Member
 | # Posted: 9 Aug 2013 06:10pm Reply
 
 I'm with you Bugs. The judge of a man of the land is how well his boots knows his soil.
 
 
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| Redneck7 Member
 | # Posted: 13 Aug 2013 03:55pm Reply
 
 Atv is great, I have two but your in the weather no matter what. SxS are great but expensive and your still in the weather. There accessories are expensive as well. For 5 grand or less you can find all these vehicles but the Japanese trucks are great, the come with dump boxes to which is great for firewood or soil. I think the best is a vehicle. 1/4 ton truck, small turning radius, and your out f the weather. There's a good shape 4x4 ranger for sale for 2 grand near me. Can't beat that really in my opinion.
 
 
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