Buyers Guide

Obviously a new snowmobile would be great, but not everyone can justify a new snowmobile. If you don’t want to invest in a new snowmobile here are some tips on purchasing a used snowmobile.

• Because you’re going to depend on your snowmobile for reliable, safe enjoyment, the service history is a top priority when choosing the right sled.  Be sure you know it was taken care of properly
• If you don’t know the person you are buying it from, take it to your local dealer to have it inspected before purchasing. Just like an automobile, snowmobiles need repair and maintenance to be reliable.  It’s very possible to buy a used snowmobile for $2,000 only to find out that it needs $3,000 worth of repairs.
• How many miles does it have?  At 10,000 miles, most snowmobiles are basically worn out (similar to an automobile with 200,000 miles).
• Is the odometer correct?  Odometers can easily be tampered with or replaced on snowmobiles. For this reason, if you don’t know the seller it’s especially important to have it inspected at your local dealer.
• Nada Guides can give you used snowmobile values, but remember the ultimate guide to a snowmobile’s value is what else can you buy for the same amount of money. Older snowmobiles in good condition with lower mileage tend to sell for more than book value.
• New or Used, any snowmobile you buy will make you smile!

4 stroke engines tend to be more reliable, get better gas mileage and last longer.  They are particularly popular in areas where people use them to commute to work.  As a general rule, 2 Stroke snowmobiles tend to be more popular in the Pacific Northwest.  You also never have to change the oil in a 2 Stroke, although you do have to add oil every time you fill it with gas.  Most of the snowmobiles for sale in the Pacific Northwest are 2 Stroke.  4 Stroke or 2 Stroke, any snowmobile you buy will make you smile!

Not all snowmobiles come with a reverse gear.  If you don’t have a reverse gear you will need a greater turning radius or you will be lifting the back of your snowmobile to turn around.  If you have weak upper body strength or a bad back, make sure you buy a snowmobile with reverse. Reverse or No Reverse, any snowmobile you buy will make you smile!

Pro-riders normally don’t ride snowmobiles with electric start because the starter and battery add a small amount of weight to the snowmobile. Most everyday snowmobilers prefer having a snowmobile with electric start.  If you have weak upper body strength or a bad back, make sure you buy a snowmobile with electric start.  This is especially important on any snowmobile with over 600cc.  Pull start or electric start, any snowmobile you buy will make you smile!

Almost all snowmobiles used to be air cooled.  They have a belt driven fan that cools the engine.  Snowmobile manufacturers later developed water cooled engines when they wanted to increase the horsepower.  Some of the manufacturers still make air cooled snowmobiles today. These are great entry level snowmobiles as they tend to be lighter, have less horsepower and also cost a lot less. Air cooled snowmobiles are highly recommended for young people who are just learning to snowmobile.  Air cooled or water cooled, any snowmobile you buy will make you smile!

121, 136, 145, 153, 154, 162, 163,165 and 175 are some of the common track sizes

As a general rule the longer the snowmobile the less likely you are to get stuck in deep snow. Also, the longer the snowmobile, the harder it will be to maneuver especially if you are a beginner or don’t have a lot of upper body strength.  Ski Doo makes the 172 snowmobile and it is extremely long.  If you are going to go off a groomed trail into the powder a 145 to 154 length is normally preferred for a beginner.  Short track or long track, any snowmobile you buy will make you smile!

The most common types are touring, trail, crossover, and mountain snowmobiles. You will want to purchase the type of snowmobile designed for the type of riding you plan on doing.  All of these types can be used for beginners.

• Touring snowmobiles are designed for 2 riders.  They are a lot heavier and are not recommended for off trail use as they will easily get stuck in deep snow.
• Trail snowmobiles are designed for groomed trails.  They usually have shorter track lengths and a wider ski stance which make them more stable going around corners than the crossover and mountain snowmobiles.
• Crossover snowmobiles are designed to be good on trails and on the mountain.  They also have a softer and more comfortable ride than mountain snowmobiles.
• Mountain snowmobiles are designed for deep powder and are least likely to get stuck in deep snow, but because of their longer tracks and narrower ski stance they are slightly more difficult to handle on groomed trails.

Touring, Trail, Crossover or Mountain, any snowmobile you buy will make your smile!

When it comes to snowmobiling bigger is not always better, especially if you are new to the sport. Here are some general rules to consider about engine size and horsepower:

• The larger the engine the more the snowmobile weighs. The more your snowmobile weighs the easier it is to get stuck if you are a beginner.
• Less horsepower means longer engine life and less maintenance.
• Less horsepower is a lot safer and better when you are learning to ride.
• Less horsepower equals better fuel economy

During the last 10 years most snowmobiles were either 600cc or 800cc. Many new riders have had minor accidents with 800cc snowmobiles simply because of the extra horsepower. Most experienced snowmobilers don’t let their inexperienced friends ride their 800cc snowmobile for this reason. Most 600cc snowmobiles also cost less than most 800cc snowmobiles.  Small engine or big engine, any snowmobile you buy will make you smile!

If you join your local snowmobile club, this will be a never-ending topic of discussion, kidding and laugher!  Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski Doo and Yamaha are the current snowmobile manufacturers.

• Every piece of machinery or equipment can break down and will need proper maintenance.  Having a dealer close to you is a huge plus when you need parts or repair for your snowmobile.
• All 4 brands currently make really good snowmobiles.  The differences between them are generally very slight and unless you are a pro-rider you will most likely not be able to tell the difference.
• Even among the pro-riders the differences in the brands tend to be more of a personal preference than anything.

Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski Doo or Yamaha, any snowmobile you buy will make you smile!