I would shop around. I have heard of folks getting really good deals on Can-Am's out your way. I'm not sure what dealer tho.

As for reliability, I'm not familiar with the commander other than several of the guys I ride with have them. I have not seen any of them ever have a problem with them on the trails. I also know for a fact that they take them places a lot worse than what you will see at HMT (as far as water and mud go). The biggest thing with Can-Am is you have to keep up with the maintenance. I pull out the grease gun about every 2nd or 3rd ride. Also, If you ride in the water and mud, you're eventually going to get something wet that shouldn't be. That is the case with any brand you buy tho. If you like it, go for it.

 

Thanks for the input, the local dealership is in Beckley. I have heard alot of mixed reviews from local owners here on the commander. I also like the looks of the RZR 800. My neighbor had one (RZR) that caught fire last week and nearly took his whole garage down. Rzr was a total loss. All appearences point to electrical on it which he said plagued that machine and he doesnt think Polaris will do anything about it. It was parked, cooled, with ignition turned off, and key in his house.

 

You should seriously look at a used rhino 700. I have a 660 with tons of mods and they are extremely reliable and can be modded to really run. If your not worried about all out performance get the rhino. STAY AWAY FROM POLARIS!!!

 

I would buy a Commander before a Polaris. You have more horse power and a bigger bed that dumps and holds a lot more of gear than the Rzr. Better interior and comfort. We have over 3500 desert and mountain miles on the 2011 1000XT. Dealer replaced rear diff at 1500 miles and the front diff seal at 2500 miles, get an extended warranty, that's negotiable too. As for using low, we try not too! Once you get used to the throttle, you'll find out you don't always need low. We haven't changed the clutch, the machine it's still close to stock. I would look into better springs or if you have the extra cash Fox Podium shocks. If your trails are rocky like ours, best mod for the money. If you need more help, check out commanderforum.org.:th_smiliewavey:

 

If you're not opposed to a little bit of a drive, check out Lexington Powersports. I'm in southern Ohio east of Cincy and drove to Lexington on several recommendations. Purchased a 2014 XTP from them and I believe a ended up getting a very good deal. Our salesperson was great and very knowledgable but when I asked her a technical question she couldn't answer, she went and get one of the guys from the shop that could. As far as if they're worth the cost, you'll have to answer that one yourself. For me, I guess I'll see as I've never owned one before, but have a buddy I ride with has had one for the last three years and is very happy with the bike as well as the service he's received. Pick mine up next Saturday after all the accessories come in and are installed. Good luck.

 

I have a commander xt 1000 I am selling. 2011 has lik 2600 miles and 2xx hours. Full warranty until 2016!! 2 inch lift on 28 inch itp mega mayhems. killer rockford fosgate stereo. k&t performance plug in. pm me if you want to talk about it. fyi ive rode it in wv at ashland resort. its a tank there! slow and steady all the way. any trail!

 

It's a great vehicle, I've got a Commander XT with a 2" lift and 30" gorillas and its great in all kinds of terrain. You're only going to read about the problems with the machines on forums, that's why most people are here. I have three friends who also own Commanders and they're all happy with their purchase...for what it's worth.