Towing/ hauling anything? 4x4? CVT Auto, semi auto or full manual trans?
Here's my suggestions
-Polaris Sportsman 500 4x4- They get a bad rap because people don't maintain the CVT system/ use the High/Low improperly and smoke belts. Good quads, but, pricey.
-The grizzly is a good machine from what I hear, but I have no experience with them, as well as the Honda utilities, but, the hondas have a semi-auto gearbox as opposed to the Polaris CVT and grizzly. Definately stronger, but, in my opinion, if I'm not racing around beating on them on the trails, I hate shifting.
Yamaha Warrior 350 is a sport quad, not increcibly fast, but will do 50+ 2x4 and more trail/sport oriented vs. utility and can be had cheap. Honda 300-400ex is another contender, but more expensive.
-Suzuki machines are good as well. [MENTION=4674]Mike@Devo2ning[/MENTION] has a 98 Suzuki KingQuad 300. Hi/Low/Ultra-Low 2wd/4wd/4x4 with diff lock, 5 speed semi auto. Things are indestructible seemingly.
If I were you, I'd get a 4x4 machine. Then you can come to the badlands and cliffs with us
. You will be shit shocked with what these machines can do.