Need Some Rev Input Please...........

[ZR Sled Head]

*****PLEASE NOTE*****
I'm not trying to start an , just posting my observations plus asking for feedback..............Thanks eh!

Looking at possibly buying a used Rev, looking through the Auto Trader there are lots of used '03 &'04 Rev's selling pretty darn reasonable. Saw some '03 600 + 800's priced well under $7500 with a couple even in the $6500 range, seems underpriced to me (no argument from me there) which was my notivation to have a look over here on the Doo forum to see whats up. It looks to me that the major issues seem to lie with both the 600 & 800's engine reliability. I've searched back and found several posts referring to flaking rings in the 600's, even after being rebuilt / updated and the 800's suffering from terrible fuel mileage, questionable performance along with piston and crank seal issues.
I've also seen lots of posts on the SDI's with running issues / blowing flames / fouling endless spark plugs and on another site more than one thats burnt to the ground.
I guess my questions is, are these posts / issues typical of whats going on or isolated incidents?
I've also read that the '03 had some strange handling issues, is this true and do the '04's have the same problem?
I'm looking to buy a ZR-900 for myself and keep my ZR-800 for my wife but she thinks a Rev would suit her just fine, no argument from me but I don't want to buy something thats gonna he a headache. I'm leaning towards a 600.
Your thoughts / experiences / observations ??

Thanks
Rick.

[anteater]

I'm in the same boat as ZR ,i'm also looking to maybe buy a 05 rev 600 h.o but am also concerned about engine reliability.Of the three people that I know of on rev's two of them have allready had engine problems.I ride a lot at night and often alone so I what something reliable.I currently ride a polaris and a least I know it's reliable but also would really like to try something different! :whatever:

[Rocketman]

I now have 1100mi on my 7c rev. I have had no problems. Guys ##### about this "body roll"...I don;'t know how picky some of you guys are, but the thing handles just fine for me. There is an issue with the crank seals on the non-SDI sleds, but they say this is not a problem that will strand you.

There is also the ring issue that has shown up on many of the series 3 800s since 2001. Again, this is a problem that is not going to strand you, you just lose performance so slowly that most would never notice. There is no piston issue that I am aware of. As far as I'm concerned, the engine is as reliable as any other make.

Fuel mileage...my 7c rev 800 gets better fuel mileage than a ZR 800 and matches that of a 600 ProX. I think I calculated it out to be between 12 and 13mpg on average. I'm usually putting less in my tank than everyone else -- seeing as I weigh 350lbs with my gear on, I am impressed with it. Anything over 10mpg is gravy as far as I'm concerned.

I guess what I'm trying to say is IMO there is alot of #####ing and complaining from guys over what I deem as minor issues. I haven't had my sled long, but it has not let me down. As long as I have an engine that won't quit on me I'm happy..and so far this one hasn't shown me anything to think it will.

Beware the internet hype...your rev is not going to spontaneously burst into flames because your cousin read on a forum that some guy's nephew's friend's sled caught fire in his girlfriend's cousin's garage.

IMO the rev chassis IS WITHOUT QUESTION the future of snowmobiling. Now that I am used to mine, I can't understand how anyone would want to ride a traditional sled. Definitely something you guys should ride for a day or two before passing judgement. Engines can be easily bought...but the handling and ride is what makes this sled great.

[slugo]

I own an Rev 800 03 sport with 2,400 miles. I love the sled and couldn't be any happier with it. So far I was one of the few people that had a crank seal issue but doo fixed it under warrnty. I was able to drive the sled back to the house but when it happened I was only a couple of miles away.

As far as handling it is great. I can ride a Rev a lot faster and more comfortable then a conventional sled.

Like rocketman said the sled gets around 10-13 mpg depending on the conditions.


:nimrod:

[CORY9]

Good question Rick. I guess there are alot of us waiting to hear the results from the guinea pigs!!! ( JUST KIDDING)
As for buying used, check out the dealers looking to clear out this years stock.
Have contacted five in the last couple weeks, and got a best price of $8995 for a 600HO carb incl freight and pdi, and one of your local large TO dealers advertising in the Sun quoted me $9200 plus taxes out the door for a 04 600HO SDI. Thought that was a good deal.

[CSBlex]

I got my 03 Rev MXZ 800 new from the dealer for $6200 with a riser bar, handguards, windshield, and cover. I was pretty happy with the price. :thumbsup: I have about 1000 miles on it with no problems. Gas is around 10 mpg, but I ride pretty hard. On the trail I love the rev, on the lake I love the pull of the 800.

[freakshow12]

I have just under 2000 miles on my 03 800X and its been great. fuel mileage has been excellent, usually the same as other make 600,s. worth every penny! best sled there is,period!!!

[formulaIII8]

I love my 04 800 HO. I have owned it four weeks and have logged about 920 miles. The performance in the trails is flawless. I will never go back to anything other than a REV. Mine gets about the same mileage as everyone else (13-14). The only complaints I have are the small gas tank and the gas guage sucks, which are not even relevant. It pulls very hard for a stock sled. I am very impressed with the performance. I paid $7400 out the door brand new, US dollars.

[paul yarek]

no complaints here.

[TheWolf]

I held off buying until just recently. One of ours went back in immediately for a new heat exchanger, but, that's life, a fluke.

The 142 miles I've been able to put on have been just freaking awesome (my daughter's first year riding her own sled, so we aren't getting too many miles on). The 500SS is a rocket. I love it.