I have a 2018 Polaris Range XP 1000 EPS that is used for putting around in the summer and plowing (Boss V-Plow) in the winter. I bought it new when I couldn't find a used one that wasn't trashed. So far it's been reliable, but parts and service are stupid expensive so I've taken to maintaining/repairing it myself.

I test drove a friend's Miata several years ago and getting my 6 foot 200 pound frame in and out was an issue then. I doubt things have improved in the intervening years...

Wife is on board with the Jeep idea, thinking Wrangler or older CJ. It'll be a Summer/Fun ride so top is not an issue. Ride might be but it's not like we'll be driving long distances.

The bad things about older Jeeps are it's hard to find one that's not rusted up, hammered off road, or been "modded" and if you do they're generally way over priced. But assuming the trend continues when you get tired of it in a couple years you'll have resale in your favor.

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:
I test drove a friend's Miata several years ago and getting my 6 foot 200 pound frame in and out was an issue then. I doubt things have improved in the intervening years...

6 footer....I should have mentioned that !! I'm 5'3" and don't think about those kinds of things very often.

The first time I took my Miata to my mechanic for an initial inspection, he tried to get in and pull it into the garage (of course, he was in a hurry). I had the top up and he got stuck halfway in (6'4")!! After he crawled back out, I had to lower the convertible top, for him to get in. His forehead was above the windshield. He would have caught bugs driving it down the highway !

I have a friend who owns Polaris and Kawasaki dealerships. He has told me more than once that Kawasaki makes a more reliable machine.

I also like Honda as they are the only brand I'm aware of that has an actual transmission. Everybody else is belt driven. FWIW, I also know a Toyota dealer who bought a Honda SxS because of their transmission.

quote:

Originally posted by mike28w:

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:
I test drove a friend's Miata several years ago and getting my 6 foot 200 pound frame in and out was an issue then. I doubt things have improved in the intervening years...

6 footer....I should have mentioned that !! I'm 5'3" and don't think about those kinds of things very often.

The first time I took my Miata to my mechanic for an initial inspection, he tried to get in and pull it into the garage (of course, he was in a hurry). I had the top up and he got stuck halfway in (6'4")!! After he crawled back out, I had to lower the convertible top, for him to get in. His forehead was above the windshield. He would have caught bugs driving it down the highway !

I'm 6' [6'2" in Ariat boots] and never had a problem in a Miata nor my Midget.
I'm more long legged than long torso, but also only 165lbs

I forgot, to mention the Mahindra Willys/Roxor.

https://www.mahindrausa.com/products/roxor/

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
I have a friend who owns Polaris and Kawasaki dealerships. He has told me more than once that Kawasaki makes a more reliable machine.

I also like Honda as they are the only brand I'm aware of that has an actual transmission. Everybody else is belt driven. FWIW, I also know a Toyota dealer who bought a Honda SxS because of their transmission.

I agree with your friend, my current MULE has been completely trouble free while the Polaris Ranger was let's say "problematic'.

I also have a Honda Pioneer 520 and really prefer the MULE with it's smooth, infinitely variable CVT and high/low ranges over the Honda's 5-speed.

^ I'd agree on the Mule, based on my dad's 3 variants.

I drove mule's in the military and they hold up well to abuse. I've seen them along with the higher end versions built by Kubota, as snow removal rigs for those who use them professionally or have the money to buy quality. I believe they're considerably more expensive than offerings by Polaris and Honda...which is difficult to imagine given the ungodly price tag on Polaris models.

As for older jeeps... I don't think the ride in my YJ is that bad, but I don't speed around in it. Shocks, springs, shackles...there are a lot of things that can be done to CJ's and YJ's to improve the ride and driveability.