Classifieds spotlight: 5 utility side-by-sides you can buy for under $20k

Every farmer needs a good sidekick or two on the farm. No, we’re not talking about farm dogs, though they are inarguably essential, instead we mean reliable vehicles to help get farmers and their tools around the property efficiently.

Quad bikes are great for this purpose, however side-by-sides are emerging as a popular choice for farmers with their ability to carry passengers as well as cargo. In addition, they are a safer option as they offer better protection for users compared to ATVs.

In response to new Government regulations making rollbar fitment mandatory that will come into full effect this October, a significant number of key players in the local ATV (all-terrain vehicle) market such as Yamaha and Honda have decided to withdraw their products, leaving consumers with not much choice on the market. Naturally, UTVs are the next best thing.

We trawled our site to dig up five great UTVs you can buy for under $20,000.

2015 Can-Am Commander 800

Location: Victoria

Condition: Used

KMs: 8158

Price: $11,000 (drive away)

Can-Am needs no introduction when it comes to off-road vehicles.  The brand has been making on and off-road bikes such as dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles for almost 50 years.

Can-Am entered the side-by-side business just over 10 years ago but have made quite a name for itself in the market. Its Defender and Commander are good for both work and play while its Maverick line up is for the speed aficionado.

2017 Can-Am Defender HD5 launch review

World launch: Can-Am Defender side-by-side

This model for sale is the Commander 800 with 8154kms under its belt. It looks to have been very well maintained and ready to get straight to work on a farm.

2012 John Deere XUV 825I

Location: Victoria

Condition: Used

Hours: 1316

Price: $13,200 (excluding government charges)

Whatever you need on a farm, John Deere has it all, and that includes side-by-side vehicles. Its Gator range has been a trusted workhorse on farms for decades, with the range spanning several variants including high-performance, compact and XUV (crossover).

While traditionally sporting the iconic John Deere green and yellow, the Gator also comes in different color schemes such as the olive colour seen on this model for sale.

This 2012 John Deere XUV 825I is a crossover model which gives users the best of both worlds in one vehicle. They have been designed to offer the best off-road performance while still allowing users to load, tow and carry.

This model for sale features a petrol engine that has just been serviced. It also has a new starter motor, new plug leads, new ball joint, and drive belt checked and adjusted. It seats two in the cab, and comes with a hydraulic tipping tray.

John Deere expands Gator XUV line-up

2016 Polaris Ranger

Location: Victoria

Condition: Used

Hours: 1500

Price: $9,500 (excluding government charges)

Polaris is another major name in the off-road vehicle industry but unbeknownst to many, the company cut its teeth in snow mobiles.

Today, it offers a range of recreational and utility products including ATVs, side-by-sides, military vehicles and even boats.

The first Polaris Ranger side-by-side vehicle was a 6x6 with three wheels on each side to handle the toughest of terrains, with a top speed of over 40km/h.

This model for sale is a 2016 Ranger 570 with a 567cc engine offering 44hp. It features front and rear screens, a poly roof, a cargo tray and seats in the cab for two. It has done 1500 hours and is in good condition. Best of all, it can be yours for under $10,000!

2017 Yamaha Wolverine

Location: Victoria

Condition: Used

Hours: 6800

Price: $10,500 (excluding government charges)

Featuring a sleek camo paint job, a near new condition and a price tag that is just over $10k, this Yamaha Wolverine offer is too good to refuse.

Yamaha’s Wolverine UTV has been designed for both work and play that made its debut in 2004. While people might be skeptical about such a vehicle thinking they won’t fully live up to either the recreational or utility aspects, our team begged to differ after testing the Wolverine X2 in 2018.

This model for sale looks to be in excellent condition despite having done 6800 hours. It has been kept exceptionally clean and has recently been serviced.

2012 Kubota RTV900

Location: Victoria

Condition: Used

Hours: 1464

Price: $12,000 (excluding government charges)

Kubota is another manufacturer with its finger in multiple pies, offering products catering to a wide range of industries including agriculture, construction, council, turf and more. Its range of UTVs are widely popular due to its reliability and affordability. Sure, they might not be the fastest on the market, but if you need a sturdy workhorse for jobs around the farm, a Kubota UTV will do the job nicely.

Its RTV900 utility vehicle has been one of Kubota's best-selling models thanks to its versatility and affordable price tag. Whether it be used to ferry passengers or the trusty herd dog across the paddock or to tow a load of hay to the other side of the property, the RTV900 gets it done. Check out our recent review of the latest version – the RTV-X900.

This model for sale is a 2012 model with a low 1464 hours under its belt.