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Hey, Hey,
I have recently bought a 05 Polaris Predator 500, awesome ride. Also came with set of paddles, I have not rode any sand but am looking forward to it.
I am looking for a used quad for my wife no older than an 05 and a little tamer than a Predator 500 but with plenty of power. I want something like a sport slash utility with full auto, shaft drive, 4x2 with select 4x4, 350 to around 400cc. Also something I could put paddles on that we can joy ride the dunes together.
What kind of quad would I look for?

Life Rule #4.
"STUFF" runs real good just before it breaks!!

Thanks for any help.

Although it's more than 400cc (at 421cc), the Yamaha Wolverine 450 sounds like a good choice. It's a sport/4wd, has selectable 4wd, has a good belt drive automatic transmission, and shaft drive. It's also reasonably priced.

It doesn't excel at any one thing, but instead does good at a variety of things. Mine does good on Florida sandy trails, and also does good in the mud and mountains of eastern central Kentucky.

The Wolverine 450 is so easy to ride that my 14yo daughter can easily handle it. When she was 12, she rode it in Kentucky for the first time. There were no problems with her handling it. The Wolverine 450 will not pull any punches. If you mess up on it, it's your fault.

One thing I like about it is the heavy front end. That makes it a good hill climber. It's very stable going up hills, more so than the Brute Force 750 I had, which even had a winch in front to weigh it down. The Wolverine would shame the Brute on hill climbs, despite the Brute having more aggressive tires and a front differential lock. Of course, the Wolverine is also over 80 pounds lighter, which helps.

It's also a very durable ATV. Right after I bought it new, while I was breaking it in, I had a stick puncture the lower radiator hose. I was riding in the Ocala National Forest where a bunch of trees had been downed during the '04 hurricanes. I was about 4 miles away from my family's place. It was near dark, and I had trouble finding my way back. I eventually made it back by riding a little bit, then shutting it down and coasting to a stop, then riding some more. Despite having lost all coolant and the engine overheating, it still runs just fine. There were no problems. I just fixed the hose and added some stainless steel braid to protect it (it is in a vulnerable place).

Top speed is about 52-53 MPH. It's not the fastest, but it is plenty. Speed isn't everything, and in most places I ride it, I can't top it out much anyway.

I think you should consider it. Based on your requirements, it offers everything you need.

I agree with above, a Wolverine sounds suitable. My cousin had one and it's top speed was generally around 55-60, although it was a 350, not 450. The problems he had with his were that it was top heavy, but overall, he loved it.