Hi Farmhand,
I totally understand where you are coming from. I just bought my buddies 2018 Mule Pro FXR, 200 miles on it, 47 hours. I gave him $12000, and he bought a 2020 FXT, mainly because he is wealthy and likes new stuff. In 1997, bought a new Mule 2510, which is now the 4010. I used that until 2012 when I bought a Kubota RTV900, which was just too noisy but bullet proof reliable. That Mule 2510 was totally reliable in the 15 years I owned it, and it was driven hard, hauling wood, abused by the grandkids, etc. I've researched the devil out of the FXR and almost impossible to find negative remarks. I would not pay for the extended warranty! I will do all of my own maintenance, oil and filter, transmission, etc. My closest dealer is 50 miles away round trip. Good luck in whatever you decide.