I'm looking at a couple used sleds, not a full time rider, terrain around here is mountains 2000-5000 ft. combination of logging roads and open country deep snow riding and some hill climbing. one is a 1999 700 powder special with a new clutch/belt, and a bad seat for $1200. The other is a 2000 700 powder special with a bad clutch and a torn seat. the question is, is the one year newer chasis worth the extra money and clutch or should I be looking for something else entirely?
p.s. Sorry in advance if the poll thing is stupid, new to the threads, so don't know the procedures/policy. Thx Dan

I have had a 98 and a 99 powder special, and loved both the sleds. I am not aware of the changes made from 99 to 2000, but if it were me Id stick with the new clutch in the 99. Like I said i had no problems with mine, and they took me anywhere I wanted to go on all but the deepest of powder days.

good luck with choice, i think either sled is a good choice but the clutch will run you around 200 for a rebuilt unit.

You'd have to define "new clutch" Has it been rebuilt, or is it a actualy new clutch?
If the clutch in the 2000 is not too far gone it can be rebuilt pretty cheaply.
They are pretty much the same sled though, so I'd go with which ever one was in better overall shape.

You'd have to define "new clutch" Has it been rebuilt, or is it a actualy new clutch?
If the clutch in the 2000 is not too far gone it can be rebuilt pretty cheaply.
They are pretty much the same sled though, so I'd go with which ever one was in better overall shape.[/b]


Thanks guys,,, great advice, I had a buddy of mine tell me he had a cat 700 powder special, and he had problems keeping the carb jetted correctly,,, one jet for one day at 2000 ft, same day up on the hill at 4000 and it ran rich,,, do you really have to go to the trouble of rejetting every time you ride, or did he have other problems he didn't know about... in other words,,, should i be able to jet it at 2000 ft and 25 deg and ride that same day at 4500 ft at 15 deg? or should i look for something newer with efi or dpm type technology? Am i going to be frustrated?

Holtzman makes the ATACC (Automatic Temperature and Altitude Carburetor Compensator) might be just what you need.

I have a 2000 powder special and am quite happy with it. As stated above, there isn't much difference between the 2 years. I would make my decision based on Miles on the sled, a compression check, and a visual inspection to see which has had the least abuse and has been maintained the best. Look for dents, dings in the belly pan, missing clips or lugs on the track, cracks or stress marks in the hood, Check the grease fittings to see if you can tell if it has been greased regularly, particularly the one behind the secondary clutch that lubes the left side drive bearing. Tilting the sled on it's side, do the Bogie wheels spin smoothly when you pull the track away from them? are the Hifax evenly worn? If you can test ride it, does the suspension seem to work well? with out squeaks? Does the steering seem straight (are the handlebars even as you drive straight) Any bogs thru the powerband?

Condition is FAR more important than year in this case.

Thanks for all the great info,,, just so you know, i've decided Arctic Cat guys are way friendlier than the Doo guys! keep up the good work, the info out here is great!

Thanks for all the great info,,, just so you know, i've decided Arctic Cat guys are way friendlier than the Doo guys! keep up the good work, the info out here is great![/b]
I would say yes it has to be true. just make sure to get the kitty litter. :christmas: .