I am at a loss as to why these things are so popular given their current cost and significant limitations. I will grant they are convenient provided you can securely store them on-site.

They seem, new or lightly used, to cost much more than a high mileage 4x4 farm truck or SUV that is street legal, can tow and haul more, is faster on most surfaces, seems to be more reliable given heavy use even with high miles, and can usually be made as off-road capable with relatively few upgrades if the right vehicle is selected.

I regularly see people towing a trailer with a $15k side by side on it, and I think an XJ or old pathfinder or 4runner with a few mods would beat out the UTV capability-wise and be considerably cheaper.

I will concede the UTV will be lighter and more maneuverable. I am guessing that the UTV are simply easier turnkey solutions for someone who has a lot of cash and needs to off-road, and had a big garage or shop or something to store it and its trailer in, and already owns a truck to tow it with.

I guess also most vehicle manufacturers outside of jeep don't make good 4x4 light SUV anymore that could be picked up used for cheap, but that does leave light trucks or used short bed half tons.

I am curious why they are so popular?

UTV's pricing is crazy high, when compared to a licensable(?) on/off road vehicle. The plus is the extreme maneuverability and great ride, and due to weight in the 1200-1600 lb range, they will go thru lots of "stuff".

At 60" in width (for typical full size), and almost zero overhang past the axles, that also aids in where you can go.

I agree. Every time I see one of those I wonder why not just buy an old 4x4 ranger for 1/2 the price and A/C/heat as a bonus

I'll argue that given their size and weight theyre not much more maneuverable than a truck. Not worth it at all for the price. I can buy a bad ass beater truck for the price of a side by side

Agreed. An old beater Suzuki Samurai with some decent tires and a little lift will do just the same--but you can drive it there. Same applies for most of the older bronco's, K5's, trackers, 4 runners, etc.

Bought me a 2003 Jeep Wrangler instead of a utv a year ago. Best decision ever. It's nice having a second vehicle too when your truck battery is dead at 5am on a work day.

Mule was parked and never used after I got a Wrangler Unlimited. Looking forward to the 2019 diesel 4 door wrangler with a pickup bed.

Some leases only allow atv/utv's on the properties.

Wouldn't trade my mule for anything.

I was very close to buying an old beater Samurai and 86 4Runner, but for a lease vehicle I wanted something reliable, easy to get in and out of (we have quite a few gates to mess with), and narrow enough to get through some of the tight trails. We leave it at the lease though. It would be a ***** if I had to trailer it every time. I've thought about hauling it up to Colorado this summer, but I think it would be more trouble than it's worth and might be easier to just rent one.

They are tons lighter and more maneuverable than any street legal 4x4. They leave imprints where trucks leave ruts.

Polaris RZR 1000 4 seater
Weight: 1596lbs
Wheelbase: 117"

Yamaha Rhino 660
Weight: 1049lbs
Wheelbase: 75.2"

1994 Suzuki Samurai
Weight: 2125lbs
Wheelbase: 79.9"

Didn't want to look up the cost delta's but I know a sami is pretty dang cheap compared to the rzr.

Also if weight and maneuverability are of concern, old beetle converted to a sand rail is light and cheap (comparatively)

Used vehicles are much safer in my book as well. I had a bad accident on a side by side and know a lot of others who have as well. I'll take a 1995 suburban any day over a Polaris ranger.

Utv's are much easier to hunt from, no windshield, no doors. A lot less moving parts so fewer chances of brakedowns.

I think a lot of the guys who strictly buy them to use on a lease buy them to use to keep from scratching up their nice trucks.

With all that being said, we bought a 45 hp JD tractor with a loader attachment and essentially quit using the Mule.

If you work on a full scale farm or ranch their value is well worth the cost. No doors, easy access across wet ground and easy access for cargo make them awesome. They do not require registration or inspections like a vehicle will.

While the "weekend warrior" who drops 20k on a UTV to go to the deer lease is wasting their money, I don't know a single farmer who would trade a UTV for anything else.

No a/c or heat needed.

I just purchased a new Polaris 900.

This is my second Polaris. My first was an 800 Crew.

Got rid of Jeeps and Scouts.

Use it here on the farm for work and hunting.

Best move I've made in a while. Love them and use them daily.

I'm going to sell the 2013 Crew. It's in getting its 100 hour service. As soon as I get it back I'll post pics and details.

When factoring in cost, you also need to assume time. The "screw with it factor" is much less with a UTV. Finding parts for a 30-year vehicle and/or customizing or repurposing it can take an immense amount of time. Plus, the reliability is less with an older truck. Speaking from experience, nothing like breaking an old leaf spring during a hunt or having your water pump going out on you on the far side of the ranch in August...

Will never be without a Polaris Ranger or equivalent. At my west Texas lease I can be in the back pasture in 10 minutes v. 30 in a jeep or truck.

I don't drive my pickup in the ranch unless I have to. Scratches, flats, dust.

quote:

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Looking forward to the 2019 diesel 4 door wrangler with a pickup bed.

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My next vehicle. My current JKU will become a deer lease vehicle.

I love our UTV.(ranger crew) I absolutely get the point of using an old beater truck/ jeep/ whatever, however I'm glad we went the UTV route. So much easier and quicker to get around in. I don't tear up the roads as much. Seems easier to get in, out and hunt with. My kids enjoy it more ( young boys).

From a fiscal standpoint I understand the argument of going with something else.

However I love ours, we have fun in it and it works for us.