I have been shopping for my first ATV. Really has never been anything I needed before.

Now that I need one it has been overwhelming

I need an automatic (left leg prosthesis).

I'll get it add a winch.

Anything to absolutely avoid?

Realistically, it will probably only leave home a few times a year. Mainly used to wheel garbage to road, minimize my actual walking around acreage, etc. But I'm sure once I get it I'll use it much more than I am picturing.

I'm cheap but really don't want a piece of junk I'm working on more than using. New or used.

If you've owned a few what would you be looking at it you were me 😁

Honda Rancher or Rubicon.

anything with a Honda emblem on it they also make electric shifts cheaper than automatic you shift on the left handle bar id rather be able to put it in the gear I want and it stay there than have an automatic plus less stuff to break or go wrong. a Honda Rancher with electric shift would last you forever.

Honda, Honda, Honda

Can am all the way

Agree with Honda.....Rancher/Foreman/Rubicon with with ES. If looking used, I'd probably stay away from the Rincons. Otherwise, hard to go wrong with a Honda.

I've always liked Kawasaki, but if i were to purchase another "4wheeler" today it would be Honda

Why not some kind of side by side?

Honda

I’d take a look at the Honda pioneer 500. It’s a small side x side but sounds like it would be good for what you want. It’s both automatic or manual and the manual shift is hand paddles. And it won’t break the bank.

Depending on what you do with it when you “leave home” a few times a year you may want to consider a golf cart maybe even with a utility bed. Unless you need 4x4 or mud capabilities that is.

I'm pretty sure I'll end up with both a 4 wheeler and a side by side eventually.

We have a shared off-road golf cart at deer camp but at home I can't imagine getting to many of the creek, forested places I go in a side by side. A side by side would definitely be more comfortable but I'm mainly looking for one to limit my walking..lots of small creek areas, etc.

For the price of a new Gator I'll get a dedicated farm truck or jeep.

I have a 04 Honda 350 electric shift. The only issue I have had is it wouldn't shift and had to replace the angle sensor ($30 part and 45 min). Other than that - bullet proof.

Yeah I think most of the ES issues were due to that sensor or a battery going bad and not holding a decent charge.

I’ve never had an automatic, but have had Suzuki and Honda 5 speeds. If I had it to do over again, I would’ve bought another Suzuki. However, the Hondas always seem to be on sale and the Suzukis aren’t. Now I know why.

I highly recommend Honda four wheelers. Even if it's not automatic there are extension handles available so you can shift with your left hand.

If you buy one and can't find a shift handle holler at me. I'll come up with one, even if I have to make it.

I have an '06 Rancher that needs the angle sensor and a battery. Other than that it's done everything I've asked of it and still even has original tires on it. I did put the Warn 2x4 selector on it so I could have only 2 wheel drive when I wanted it for better maneuverability. If I ever buy another one it will have selectable 2/4 wheel drive, power steering and it will be a Honda.

Yes.....got to keep it plugged into a battery tender.

I owned a Yamaha for 15 years or so with nothing but routine maintenance. The spindles on the rear axles finally wore out. I then bought a Kawasaki, which is automatic, but I've had some minor issues with it in the years I've had it. One of the guys I hunt with has a Honda with the gear shift button on the left handle bar. Once you get used to it, it is nice.

Bottom line, if I had to buy another one, I'd go with a Honda or another Yamaha.