Novice Needs Advice On Buying Sleds

[fastguy91]

Moved to Fla. 20 yrs ago and have been out of the loop. I need advice on buying 2 used sleds for long weekend trips to Mich. What brands, models etc... seem to be the most reliable? Looking for 1 muscle sled and 1 good trail sled for the wife. Thanks for any help or advice

[straycat]

all the makers are a good choice. the best bet is try them out if possable.
you might also look at some left over's.
the most important ,.......get a good dealer!!!!!!!!
ask lots of questions.....dont buy from the first, SMOOTH TALKER,
look around and.shop,shop,shop,...........then buy. :thumbsup:

[Boondock]

Originally posted by straycat@Jan 20 2004, 03:53 PM
all the makers are a good choice. the best bet is try them out if possable.
you might also look at some left over's.
the most important ,.......get a good dealer!!!!!!!!
ask lots of questions.....dont buy from the first, SMOOTH TALKER,
look around and.shop,shop,shop,...........then buy. :thumbsup:

I agree with straycat.....shop and try out as much as you can

[phat_cat800]

Everyone is going to have a different opinion of which brand and model to get, your best bet would be to shop around find one you like and then post about it to see what you can find out about it. A big factor is mileage. Look at the track for tears and inspect the sled over for any signs of abuse or improper care. Myself being a Cat guy the ZL models are a great trial sled and for a mussle sled, well only a triple is a true mussle sled and all of cats triples are really good.

[Russ Wheeler]

used sleds is a big category...a used sled can include anything from a year old to 15 years old.....and sleds have advanced absolutely leaps in bounds in the last 10-15 years....what kinda budget are you working with, that should help narrow it down....

however, i'll go with a 99 ski-doo mach 1 or z for you (great sleds, also the best looking machs IMO) and a ski-doo formula (lots of models, Z, dlx, etc) 2000 and up for the trails, choosing appropriate engine size as needed...(380, 500 fan,500 liquid, 600, etc)

like phat cat said, a big factor is mileage...but so is conditon....a sled with 2000 miles on it can be in a LOT worse shape than one with 3500 on it if it was maintainted properly

[Ski-dude]

I urge you to consider somewhat less of a muscle sled. You said you've been in Florida for twenty years? Please get accustom to riding again before looking for a big cc sled. The sleds they're building now are scary fast. I'm 39 years old with 30+ years experience riding sleds. Although I have owned larger sleds in the past, I'm not interested in anything larger than 600. No one can convincingly tell me that they need a larger one. As stated earlier all four major manufacturers put out excellent products. It's just a matter of personal preference. Don't listen to brand bashers, decide and learn by speaking to intelligent experience riders, only you can pick the right brand for you. Stay safe.

[Spaceman]

Good advice Ski-Dude. And like others have said; try them out. Rent some too!

[mccracken]

Sleds now a days are pretty good for the most part. Look at the condition of it and try to take someone with you who knows what to look for.

[fastguy91]

Thanks for all the input. I will definetly shop around. Looking to spend roughly 2 to 3k per sled. I just don't want to be stuck working on them my whole trip. Used to tempermental 2 strokes on jet skiis, apparently snowmobiles are alot more reliable. I was surprised to hear 2k and more miles. Thanks again, if anyone has anything else to add to check out it is greatly appreciated. I know the obvious compression tests etc...

[puree]

if you live in Michigan, check out the auction in Bronson the first saturday of the month,,,,they have lots of sleds there to check out, If you are uncomfortable with buying there, just sit on em, get a feel for them and maybe that will help you decide what you like. I have bought 3 sleds from there and have had NO problems at all,,,, some guys claim to have boughten junk there,,,,I always take a compression tester, and look over everything before I put the sled on my list,,,,,