Although Polaris is well-known for its fuel-injected, IRS-equipped vehicles, its carbureted four-wheelers come second to none. These standard 4x4s come with power mills that make good, solid power and are known for their responsiveness. The absence of an independent rear suspension is never an issue as long-travel suspension aptly provides a plush, comfortable ride. Such is the case with the Polaris Magnum 325.
The Polaris Magnum 325 was a 300-class ATV Polaris launched in response to the industry’s rising utility-rec segment. It featured an automatic drum-shift transmission, rugged styling, and long-travel suspension. This wheeler had a 7-year production run, released in the market from 2000 to 2006.
Despite its short-lived production, the Polaris Magnum 325 became well-known for unwaveringly offering speed, power, and durability – from relatively smooth dunes to the coarseness of technical trails. These characteristics are the same reasons the vehicle holds its value well, even to this day. Read on, and let this guide enlighten you further about this utility four-wheeler.
About the Polaris Magnum 325
The Polaris Magnum 325 is a utility all-terrain vehicle introduced to the public from 2000 to 2006 – along with the Trail Boss and Xpedition lineups. Unlike the Sportsman, it did not have the longest stint in the ATV scene. Nevertheless, it was the go-to 4×4 for hunting and hauling back in the day – before the advent of big-bore behemoths with power steering and electronic fuel injection.
With an introductory price of $4,299, the Magnum appealed to consumers who preferred an ample-sized rig that can be both a trusty workhorse and a fun weekend warrior. It was also perfect for experienced young riders who have outgrown their youth quads but have yet to have more experience before riding on a 500-cc machine.
The Magnum’s hauling capacity was massive for its size, making it an excellent companion on the farm for chores and errands. And while some enthusiasts frowned on its extra weight, the same was welcome news for riders who wanted more stability with their wheelers.
Earlier model years of the Polaris Magnum 325 had dry-sump lubrication, 31-mm Mikuni carburetor, and 324-cm3 engine displacement. Three years from its inception, these were changed into wet-sump lubrication, 34-mm carb, and 329 cm3.
Whether or not these revisions were meant to address the vehicular issues that caused the 2003 recall, they resulted in increased power output and a freer air intake for the quad. Additionally, the transmission was also changed to a drum-shift type inclusive of a park setting that made for easier shifting and improved overall maneuverability.
2000 Polaris Magnum 325 Specs
Engine
The Magnum 325 uses a four-stroke, air-cooled (with fan-assisted stage 3 oil cooler) single-cylinder engine. It has a bore-stroke ratio of 78 mm x 68 mm (3.07 x 2.68 inches). The engine displacement is 324 cm3 (19.77 in3) with a compression ratio of 9.2:1 delivered by a 31-mm Mikuni BST carburetor.
It has dry-sump lubrication and a valve clearance of 0.006/0.006I @ TDC on compression. Fuel tank capacity is 3.75 US gallons (14.2 Liters) of unleaded gasoline with a minimum PON rating of 87 (oxygenated) or 89 (non-oxygenated).
Drivetrain
A dual-sensing Polaris Variable Transmission with a one-way clutch and E-Z shift controls the Polaris Magnum 325. A primary shaft drive system handled by a 520 O-ring chain transfers power from the engine to the wheels. The gearshift is left-foot-operated with a pattern of H/L/N/R.
The Polaris 325 Magnum was the only 300-class ATV during its time with a shaft drive, and that offered options for 2WD and 4WD.
Ignition
The Magnum 325 has a Capacitor Discharge Ignition (DC-CDI) electric start system with an auxiliary mechanical recoil starter. It has an ignition timing of 30°±2° BTDC @ 5,000 RPM, and a triple-phase charging system output alternator of 200 watts. A 12V, 14 Ah 210-CCA battery powers the quad. It requires an NGK BKR6E spark plug with a gap of 0.036 inches (0.9 mm).
Current 14AH-BS battery (view on Amazon) formats will work fine with 2000 to 2002 Polaris Magnum 325 4×4 and 2×4 models.
Lubrication
Engine oil capacity is 2 US quarts/1.9 liters. For best results, use Polaris SAE 0W-40 Synthetic Engine Lubricant (without molybdenum additives) or its equivalent. Use Polaris Premium Synthetic Gear Case Oil for transmission and DOT 3 premium brake fluid for brakes.
Tires
The 325’s front steel wheels are equipped with 24 x 8-12 tires, while the rear steel wheels with 24 x 11.5-10 tires. Recommended tire pressure differs for front and rear knobbies – 4 psi/27.58 kPa (0.28 kg-f/cm2) for the front and 3 psi/20.68 kPa (0.21 kg-f/cm2).
As a guide, always replace tires when the tread depth is 1/8 inch (3 mm) or less. Make use of 4 x 156 Wheel Spacers to ensure proper fitment of taller tires.
Brakes
The disc brake system has a front single-lever hydraulic disc brake and a foot-operated rear hydraulic disc brake. To extend the brake system component’s service life, do regular inspection of Polaris Magnum 325 parts for fluid leaks, excessive travel or spongy feel, or looseness. (TIP: The brake pad friction material’s thickness is usually the first indicator of wear or damage).
Suspension
Enclosed in a Gen IV body frame is a MacPherson Strut (view on Amazon) A-arm front suspension with 6.7 inches (170 mm) of travel and a progressive-rate swingarm back suspension with gas-charged mono shocks and 6.5 inches (165 mm) of travel. The suspension design, paired with a wheelbase of 49.75 inches (1,264 mm), lends to the overall turning radius of 5.42 feet (165 cm), making for tighter turning and cornering angles.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the Polaris Magnum 325 are 81 x 46 x 46 inches (2,057 x 1,168 x 1,168 mm – L x W x H) with a ground clearance of 7.25 inches (1,842 mm). The seat height is 34 inches. Dry weight is 574 lbs (260.5 Kg) for 2×4 models and 620 lbs (281.4 Kg) for 4×4 ones; GVWR can go up to 1,125 lbs – a combination of 605/651-lb curb weight, a maximum combined rack capacity of 270 lbs (122.5 Kg), cargo and accessories, plus rider weight. Towing and hitch tongue capacities are 850 lbs and 30 lbs, each.
Exterior
The 325 shell consists of a steel frame and plastic body material in Bonnie Blue, Silver Metallic, Black, Forest Green, Hunter Orange. There are also Mossy Oak New Breakup trims standard with hand grips, front and rear fenders, handlebars, full floorboards, CV boot cover, and body-matching springs and rims (rims are sometimes finished in aluminum).
A ZEAK 5500lb Powersports Winch (view on Amazon) is a useful piece to have if you intend to maximize your vehicle’s towing capabilities.
Polaris Magnum 325 Price
The MSRP of the Polaris 325 Magnum ranged from $4,299 to $5,649, depending on the model year and trim. The list price for these vehicles did not move despite the Magnum 325’s increase in displacement and power output beginning in 2003. Note that the base price did not include any accessories that an owner can get through the dealership. For a full run-down of list prices, average retail, and trade-in values, refer to the table below:
| Model Year & Trim | List Price | Retail/Trade-in |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 Polaris Magnum 325 2×4 | N/A | $280 – $1,865 |
| 2000 Polaris Magnum 325 4×4 | N/A | $295 – $2,299 |
| 2001 Polaris Magnum 325 2×4 | $4,599 | $750 – $1,855 |
| 2001 Polaris Magnum 325 4×4 Silver | $5,399 | $875 – $1,150 |
| 2001 Polaris Magnum 325 4×4 Mossy Oak | $5,599 | $895 – $2,030 |
| 2002 Polaris Magnum 325 2×4 | $4,599 | $795 – $2,625 |
| 2002 Polaris Magnum 325 4×4 Silver | $5,399 | $945 – $2,079 |
| 2002 Polaris Magnum 325 4×4 Mossy Oak | $5,599 | $960 – $2,175 |
| 2003 Polaris Magnum 330 2×4 | $4,299 | $835 – $2,110 |
| 2003 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 | $5,099 | $985 – $1,295 |
| 2003 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 Mossy Oak | $5,299 | $960 – $2,330 |
| 2004 Polaris Magnum 330 2×4 | $4,399 | $845 – $2,205 |
| 2004 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 | $5,199 | $1,025 – $1,350 |
| 2004 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 Mossy Oak | $5,399 | $1,050 – $2,435 |
| 2005 Polaris Magnum 330 2×4 | $4,449 | $975 – $2,330 |
| 2005 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 | $5,249 | $1,145 – $1,505 |
| 2005 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 Mossy Oak | $5,599 | $1,235 – $2,575 |
| 2006 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 | $5,299 | $1,345 – $2,770 |
| 2006 Polaris Magnum 330 4×4 Mossy Oak | $5,649 | $1,455 – $1,915 |
You can expect any pre-loved Magnums valued at $1,000 and above to be in good shape, with some only used for errands at a park or to check livestock on the farm. Some units have newly-replaced batteries and come with complimentary helmets or a 54-inch snow blade. Others have never been ridden off-pavement or on the trails.
Interestingly, most of the units seen in auction and trader sites are 2002 models. Reasons former owners are selling these quads include the starter not engaging at times, wheels just spinning without the motor turning over, no power steering, and the 4×4 not being used as frequently as before.
These problems, however, should not deter you from purchasing a 2002 Magnum. Make sure to inspect for any hidden defects. Also, inquire about all modifications done on the vehicle.
How to Change Oil on a Magnum 325 (20 Steps)
For the benefit of beginner owners (or those who have lost their service manual), here are the steps on how to correctly do oil and filter change for your quad:
1. Place your Polaris Magnum 325 on a level surface. Run the engine for 2-3 minutes until warm to make the oil flow smoothly. Stop the engine afterward.
2. Clean the drain plug area at the bottom of the oil tank, located on the vehicle’s left side.
3. Before taking out the drain plug, place a drain pan beneath the oil tank. Be careful not to have oil come in contact with your skin and cause severe burns as oil may be hot.
4. Allow the old engine oil to drain completely.
5. To keep the sealing surfaces clean and free of burrs or scratches, replace the sealing washer on the drain plug.
6. Add the drain plug back and torque to 14 ft-lbs (19 Nm).
7. Loosen the clamp or bolt, and remove the oil hose from the screen fitting on the bottom of the oil tank.
8. Remove the screen fitting and clean it thoroughly. Then, apply Loctite™ PST 505, any other equivalent pipe thread sealant, or PTFE sealant tape to clean oil-free threads of the fitting.
9. Install the screen fitting and torque to 14-17 ft-lbs (19-23 Nm).
10. Similarly, install the oil hose on the screen fitting and tighten the clamp to 25 in-lb/2.08 ft-lb (2.82 Nm).
11. To remove the oil filter, place a towel beneath it and turn the filter counterclockwise using an oil filter wrench.
12. Clean the crankcase filter surface with a clean and dry cloth.
13. Lubricate the O-ring with a film of engine oil. Check to ensure the O-ring is in good condition.
14. Then, install the new filter and turn it by hand until the filter gasket contacts the sealing surface. Once it does, turn it an additional 1/2 turn.
15. Make sure to fully drain the engine oil that always remains in the crankcase. To do this, remove the drain plug found on the lower right side of the crankcase.
16. Torque the crankcase drain plug to 14 ft-lbs (19 Nm) to reinstall it.
17. Now that old oil is drained from both the tank and crankcase, take out the dipstick and add 2 quarts (1.9 Liters) of SAE 0W-40 Polaris Premium 4 synthetic oil.
18. Once done, place the gear selector in neutral and set the parking brake.
19. Turn the engine on and let it idle for one to two minutes to allow the new oil to flow through the system.
20. Stop the engine and inspect for leaks. If there is none, re-check the oil level on the dipstick and add oil as necessary. The oil level should be at the upper mark on the dipstick. Finally, do proper disposal of the used filter and oil.
FAQs
- How fast does a Polaris 325 Magnum go? There is no specific marketed top-end speed for the quad. But based on exchanges in Polaris forums, the Polaris Magnum 325 can hit between 39 and 55 mph. These figures are said to come from bone stock units. If you want something higher, adding performance mods may give you an extra 3-4 mph.
- Were there any Polaris Magnum 325 recalls? The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled 56,000 Polaris ATVs in 2003 – including 2000 and 2001 Polaris 325 Magnums – due to leaking oil-cooler line clamps that released hot, pressurized oil, potentially causing thermal burns, engine failure, or a fire hazard. About 1,290 warranty claims and 20 minor injuries were associated with this oil line failure. Expectedly, Polaris addressed this issue with changes made to the 2003 and later-year Magnum 325 models.
About Polaris
Polaris Inc. is an American firm known worldwide for spawning the snowmobile industry in 1954. The maker of the Polaris Magnum 325 has the most complete lineup of all-terrain vehicles among all manufacturers. Since it ventured into the production of motorcycles and off-road vehicles, the firm has continued its quality manufacturing practices in its current product offerings.
Among its ATV contributions are automatic transmission, Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). To date, Polaris continues to introduce the market to industry-leading technology.
Conclusion – Polaris Magnum 325 4×4 Review
Many say that the Polaris Magnum 325 is among the progenitors of recent-year innovations in Polaris’ chassis and design, suspension, and engine braking system. I could not agree more. Because of the inherent flaws of older models like the Magnum, Polaris was able to further polish and eventually perfect its production of ATVs and UTVs – establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in the process. This 330-class brute may no longer be in production, but its legacy continues to live on through present-day four-wheelers.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris