Hi Everyone. I'm new to the sport and am looking for some advice on purchasing my first sled. I've always been a fan of the ZRTs and have been looking at these sleds for a while now. I'm curious to see what everyone's opinions are on these sleds. I've found a few of them for sale, 1996-2000 anywhere from $1200 to $2300 with mile ranges from 1500 and up. Just wanted to know if you all think getting one for a first sled would be a good buy? Are there any years, or engine sizes better or worse? How many miles are too many miles? I just want to get some advice on what to stay away from and what would be a good buy, and anything that I should be looking for on the sled to make sure it isn't a hunk of junk? Any info would be appreciated.

Hi win308, any snowmobile can have its problems and there is not one specific thing wrong with any of them that they are known for. i have always had arctic cats because they seem to be the most reliable but thats my opinion. i even have two 1978 arctic cats that my dad bought brand new and beside plugs and belts we haven't had a problem with them. The ZRT is a good fun sled they seem to be more dominant than the ZRs. What I would suggest since now it is getting to be Winter is when you find one you like ask to take it out like testdriving. Take the sled on hard packed snow as well as powder because you will soon find out that these two conditions are completely different. Some sleds are better on hard packed snow like groomed trails and others are better in powder. Some are equal both ways which makes for a overall good sled. I have rode a 2001 ZR 600 and its really good in both conditions. Seeing that the ZRT is in the same family it sould be a good sled. Since you are new to sledding i do not suggest anything over a 600 but not under a 500. Anything bigger will be to fast for your ability and you'll probably wrap it around a tree. Anything less will not have the power to keep up with others if you are going to ride with a group of people. It depends on the miles if someone took real good care of it. Obviously the lower the miles the better. If you could find one that is between 1500-4000 it should be reliable. Sleds are not like cars because they are made for preformance the more you ride it like its made for the more likely it will break down but you do not want to baby a 2 stroke motor they are made for high rpm riding. The sled that i have owned since new is a 1993 Arctic Cat ext efi it has just over 7000 miles on it and never had a serious problem with it and it has always been taken care of. All I have to say is welcome to the sport and take care of your sled. the better you take care of it the longer it will last you and you'll be less likely to break down in the middle of no where. Good Luck

i also forgot one thing the biggest thing besides the motor running good is check the track any rips tears or pulled out studs is a worthless track it will sooner or later shred on you and you'll be stranded. as everyone who sleds knows tracks are not cheap you can one for 400-800 dollars but this depends on the quality and size and where you buy it from a good cheap reliable place to get a new track would be at tracksusa.com just incase you ever need one if you have anymore questions send a private message i always enjoy getting others hooked on the sport and helping out with a new purchase hope this helps