Lets just say, out of the 14 quads on this last trail ride, 13 of them were Yamaha Grizzlys, mostly 400-450 class, my 660cc and one newer 700cc with power steering.
Right up front, I'll say there is NO one perfect quad for ALL applications.
that said, I've owned 12 different quads in the last 15 years of different makes models, all of major key player brands, stay away from any Autoparts store/Walmart chinese crap brands.
In my order of preference (your milage may vary) are:
Yamaha
Honda/Polaris Tie for 2nd
Suzuki/Kawasaki a close third.
Local parts/dealer support could be a deal breaker in any of the above.
Kurt, you got a good deal on that 450, now replace those BALD stock tires with some ITP holeshots Radials and you'll be set. Don't get caught up in the heavy mud lug tires for looks, (unless you're in deep mud) Radials are great to conform to rocks/logs and a Holeshot tread is an aggresive sport tread but not too much rolling resistance. the BEST all around tire. I took mine off (on a second set of stock rims), to mount up those bighorns on ITP alum rims shown in the last photo, just as I new we were going to be in more mud than fast logging road trail riding which is where the ITP ATR's shine. Call it a sports tire for a Ute quad.
ITP TIRES - Holeshot ATR Tires
Take a long look at my blue Grizzly 660, hand guards, rear hard box, custom front bumper, shock covers, skid plates, and other goodies to make it trail worthy. No bling, all sing.
The 450's are mid sized, more nimble, QUICK and still "Fast" the 660cc's and 700's have more low end torque and WFO top speed, but that doesn't count in tight woods or rocks. In my last ride shown, there were at least 10 Yamaha 400's and 450's. GET independant suspension front and rear. Straight axle rears are fine for more sport speed riding, but IRS and IFS front suspension grips and grabs.
My next new quad will be the 2010 Grizzly 450, (sometimes buying new is cheaper in the long run) the 2010 450 comes with power steering. sweet sweet ride, sealed rear disk brake in an oil bath, and the power steering also helps absorb the hits from rocks to not transfer the jolt to your arms. I run a 7-way click adjust passive steering dampner on my 2003 blue Grizz 660.
The new Polaris 850 is also an incredilbe machine. Do a seach on You Tube for both and read reviews.
glad to help get people into the ATV sport, I have 4 quads in the shop at the moment, Grizz 660 4x4, Polaris Sportsman 500 4x4, and two Polaris Predators 500cc's for my sand duning balls to the walls moods at 70-75 mph moments.
hope this helps.
Best thing on craigslist, is take someone with you that knows quads, check all wheel bearings, oil change maintenance, and general upkeep. Some people Smash Thrash and Trash their quads/atvs, same can be said for porsches too..........both are expensive for parts and to work on.........