ATV use in WA: is 2wd useless?

[mancat]

Have wanted an ATV for years and recently started looking. I always figured I would need a 4x4, but I see that there are a lot of decently priced used 2WD units, e.g. Honda Recon 250. Some older ones (early 2000s) going as low as $500. But if I go up to a Honda Rancher 350 4x4 there is almost always an extra $750-1k.

Typical use would probably just be camping, playing, putting around our roads sometimes to the store - a lot of people tool around in ATVs and UTVs here. Hardest use is going to be hunting around Okanogan area and central Montana. Usually just myself (6'3" 200lb) but wife may sometimes tag along. I don't plan on hauling a ton so it doesn't have to be a really large one. When I have borrowed wife's uncles 4x4 ATV in the past I usually crawl slowly most anywhere I go. Is this possible with a 2WD ATV or are most geared too high? Are they going to get stuck in more mountainous areas of WA, or have trouble climbing hills without 4x4 or low range?

I know there are a few riders here.. I have nearly zero experience. There is just a part of me that believes that 2WD ATVs must be for flat land use only.

On another note.. The UTV scene has really killed the ATV market. Someone tipped me off to this and it's true. A lot of ATVs being sold off for nothing compared to what I remember them costing just a few years ago. Nobody with the money to afford a UTV wants to ride an ATV I guess

[L_O_G]

We have both a 2wd and 4wd Honda quads at my property and they are equally as fun. Although it you plan on doing some back country crawling or mudding I would suggest going with the 4x4 option.

If your going to use it to put around on paved roads with minimal issues I would think the 2wd would suit you fine.

[STED9R]

Sounds more like you would not only use, but need a 4X4 more than a two whl.
You're not dragging 350lbs of dead meat out of that hole no matter how hard you try with a 2 whl unit, been there, even on level gravel road. And when you're trying, keeping the dirt an rocks kicked up from the spinning whls outta the body cavity sucks. Plus you can't steer the damn thing for shit pulling a load.
4 whl works so much better, unless you're jumping dunes or spinning donuts in the driveway.

[mancat]

Sounds more like you would not only use, but need a 4X4 more than a two whl.
You're not dragging 350lbs of dead meat out of that hole no matter how hard you try with a 2 whl unit, been there, even on level gravel road. And when you're trying, keeping the dirt an rocks kicked up from the spinning whls outta the body cavity sucks. Plus you can't steer the damn thing for shit pulling a load.
4 whl works so much better, unless you're jumping dunes or spinning donuts in the driveway.

OK by far that describes exactly what I am trying to avoid.. I think I will have to just spring for the 4x4 option.

I see mid 2000s Honda Rancher 4x4s going around $1500 which is not bad.

I have zero intention of ever doing serious go fast/jumping type riding.

[L_O_G]

My 2wd is fun as hell on gravel roads, but my wife might not agree with me.

If you wait a few more weeks for summer to get over you can probably find a better deal on a used one.

[Arisaka]

2wd is fine for sand, gravel and most trails. When you get into mud though, 4wd shines. I currently have one of each. The 4wd is the tool carrier, survival gear carrier, and recovery vehicle. The 2 wd my son has is for going fast.

Honda recon is an excellent bike, for kids and women. That was my son's first bike and he rode that thing hard and it held together. However, For a full sized man, you need much more motor than a 250 in a 4 wd. At least 400 cc. And for dunes you need way more motor. Think 600 cc for a 4 wd. For 2wd, which are much lighter, 400 cc is plenty

[Old Growth]

4WD adds parts, complexity and maintenance.

[foothills]

4WD adds parts, complexity and maintenance.

And traction, stability and general all round usefulness.

I have 2 Suzuki Quadrunner's both are 250cc 4x4.

4wd super low, and in diff lock will literally skid logs if you can get enough traction.

I'd avoid the full time 4x4's, It's nice to be able to shift in and out of 4x4 and 4x2...easier on all those complex parts and you can still spin donuts in the driveway!

[mancat]

4WD adds parts, complexity and maintenance.

Not a concern, I do not have any issues repairing broken parts.

Thanks for all the good advice and additional suggestions on models to look for.