The bad:
It still runs great and starts like a charm, but the pull start was locked stiff with a few mm thick mud coating. Be sure to keep it clean if you really want that option. There was a light coating of mud all around the airbox as well. The intake doesn't seem to be as protected as it maybe should be. I see why a lot of people snorkel these now.

There was also a boot on the rear axle that doesn't really seal tight to it. One side is essentially open and the other is just held closed by a large O-ring. Consequently, when I pulled it back a pile of mud and rust fell out. A couple of the front axle boots use the same O-ring system, but are at least large enough to seal the axle.

As in most cases, the included tool set was basically a useless afterthought. I couldn't even use it to do an oil change. Just expect to get a decent socket set if you don't already have one.

Also, the wet break fluid seems to be a bit of a rarity. No local auto dealer sells a GL-4 80W fluid as the manual calls for. Without a local ATV shop, I'm going to have to mail order the stuff or drive an hour to pick it up.

The good:
I took the belt cover off and was pleased to see that it was clean as new, despite the evidence of mud running I found on other parts. I know some riders have complained about wet belts, but I'm inclined to think you'd have to dip it in a river or have a few loose bolts for that to happen with this ATV.

I have yet to try a really hairy hill. If you get a running start then use your hands part of the way up, these hills can be walked up - I'm not daring enough to try anything much worse than that yet. The ATV sticks like glue to the ones I've tried so far though. My tires don't even have much tread and the hills were covered in leaves. I hit a log about 2/3's of the way up on one of em. It broke my traction and took away my momentum, but I got moving again with no effort.

The rest:
I have heard that the 2005 models tend to overheat in slow riding. While the fan did kick in on occasion, I did not encounter any issue as I slowly snaked through a number of shrubby growth patches.

On a straight run of field, I got up to about 55 in 200 or so feet before backing off to cross some mud ruts. Not having any experience with other ATVs, I don't know how good/bad that is, but it is what it is. I have read that an aftermarket exhaust and re-jet kit will really open it up though.

We rode for maybe 2 hours. Even though the seat is wider than a typical sport quad, I felt very comfortable riding that long. Riding over fields was rather rough though. The weight seemed to slam the ATV into every bump.

I had a full tank when we started. My fuel level barely changed at all. This ATV is carbureted, btw, not fuel injected. I think there are injected versions if that is what you want, but I can fix a carburetor in my garage easier than fuel injection. I'm pretty sure it has a fuel pump though. I hear a whine from the rear after switching off the ATV, much like on a car. I haven't poked around enough to confirm it though.