I have a 98 Polaris Xplorer 400 2 stroke that I picked up cheap a few years ago for ranch type chores. I found a Gator the next month so it just sits. I've replaced the old tires and will get it running well enough to sell or use for elk hunting in NW Colorado.

Am I smarter to sell it and buy a newer (still used) ATV with a 4 stroke and newer technology or just run the old 2 stroke? My main concern is reliability I'll never hit top speed on either one.

We used to have a couple of the 2 stroke Polaris Trail Boss at our deer camp in Michigans UP near lake Superior. (Read that cold and snow) Never had a problem getting them fired up and going on cold mornings but the 4 strokes some guys brought up had a tough time starting after a cold night. Also the shiftless drive train was easier to operate with heavy boots on.

might nickle/dime you to death.......

Can you say Honda or Yamaha ?

I'd ditch the old 2 stroke and get a 4 stroke of anything. How new do you want to go? EFI will help your cold starts. Hell, I have a 2000 Honda foreman 450 that has no issues starting in the cold. Let it warm up a few minutes before use and it's good to go.