Buying a quad wheeler, any advice?

Polaris, Can am, Honda, any of these you really cannot go wrong, i have had 2 polaris and they have been great. for 15 grand you could a brand new RZR side by side. have you seen the rzr?

Can-am has models built for the mud

http://can-am.brp.com/off-road/atv/outlander-x-mr/outlander-1000-x-mr.html

The 650 is less. Check out all their lines

http://can-am.brp.com/off-road/atv/renegade/renegade-x-xc.html

A sport 4X4

I've ridden dirt bikes and quads, but a RZR is a lot more fun. Safer too. I rolled one on my first outing.

yeah, dont go riding until you have it insured.

Just about anything Polaris is very good, I know my 500 sportsman does everything happily

A friend of mine from college works for Polaris. And another for honda. Either are good machines.

I own Hondas. other than oil changes, air filters, and buying a battery every 2-3 years, they are bulletproof

A friend of mine owns Full Throttle Powersports in Charlotte.

www.ncfullthrottle.com/default.asp

His name is Tim, he might be able to point you in the right direction. He's also a car guy...

If you have $15k to spend, get a Rzr. At least in Wisconsin, the Rzr is legal for ATV trail riding.

The Scrambler 850 would be my top Quad pick right now...

Followed by the Can Am Renegade.

Both are available with smaller motors to save money without loosing much performance.

If you know that mud will be a large part of your riding, Can Am has a Mud version

Snorkel and radiator mounted up top, foot pegs relocated for riding at a 45-degree angle, and more clearance among other modifications. Arctic Cat also makes the Mud Pro:

Available as a 650 as well.

My father in law has a polaris magnum 500 4x4 - super reliable, tows like a beast, easy to drive, feels pretty nimble if you decide to goof off with it. Thats my experience. Compared to other cheaper 2wd ATVs Ive ridden, its definitely made for utility than fun.