I'm planing on getting my first sled this year. I'm looking at spending 3000-4000. I've been concidering a mxz 600, 700 or a something like a viper. I ride a 750 sport bike in the summer so I'm no stranger to going fast. Any input on those sleds or any other reliable used sleds would be much appericated. I also know there were some bad rings in some of the mxz's and I want to stay away from those.

Thanks

first of all... you will hear something bad about every name brand and every model... and how each of them have their problems with the blah blah blah's. These are not motorcycles, they are not nearly as reliable and require a hell of alot more maintenance... if you are spending 3000-4000$ you can pretty much expect to purchase a 5+ year old sled. Which means it is starting to get to the point where it will be needing constant maintenance. As long as you do it properly, you will be fine... but there isnt a 5+ year old sled out there that wont blow up on you the first time you hold it to the bar accross the lake on a nice crisp -20 degree day and not burp the throttle as you slow down. snowmobiling requires knowledge... This is a great place to start but you better have someone good to take your sled to every spring and fall until you learn how to do these things yourself...

I suggest you take a look around at the forums and get familiar with certain problems snowmobiles have... snowmobiling is a very expensive sport so dont get into it thinking that its gunna be 3000 - 4000$ bottom line dollar. I am not trying to discourage anyone... I just see people getting out of the sport so often because they didnt "sign up" for these problems and they didnt realize the work involved.

p.s. MXZ's are great sleds...

Thanks MattyE, I know that two strokes can be finicky but I'm fairly mechaniclly inclined. I figured if I found something that had been looked after well I could get a couple of years out of it since this year I have to pay for all the other gear as well.

Do you think you're better off buying one thats had a rebuild or one thats still original?

Thanks, I can't wait to get out there.

Thanks MattyE, I know that two strokes can be finicky but I'm fairly mechaniclly inclined. I figured if I found something that had been looked after well I could get a couple of years out of it since this year I have to pay for all the other gear as well.

Do you think you're better off buying one thats had a rebuild or one thats still original?

Thanks, I can't wait to get out there.[/b]

I have one of those MXZ with ring issues and as long as its caught in time its not a big deal. $130 for a new top end off ebay and its good to go. IMO You should look for a sled with original motor with low miles on it. I just picked up an 02 mxz 800 with flaking rings only 5300 on it. replaced the topend and now i know its in good shape and ready to go. Not relying on someone else motor job just incase they didn't do it properly. ALso with low mileage everything else should be in good shape. as far as bearings and wear parts go. You should also look for clues of maintanence like freshly greased zerks, and smooth operating suspension. When the chaincase oil was last changed, a good quality oil was used all these thigs show that the owner cared about it and took care of it.

I al,ways buy used sleds with under 2000 miles and sell around 5000 miles, have had good luck if the sled looks nice and clean out side and under the hood its a good bet the owner has taken care of it , I don,t buy sleds that have been hopped up. I do it myself if I want to.

go with the ski-doo i just fot an 2004 ski-doo GSX 500ss with 473 miles on it for $4300 they are out therejust keep an eye out for them