Buying a used snowmobile? WATCH THIS

In this video, I'm using a new acquisition as an example of what to look for and beware of. Most used snowmobiles are just a bit over valued, but there are also a few which are nightmares for unsuspecting buyers.
By knowing what to look for, you can be better prepared to negotiate. I'll also explain how to avoid getting ripped off when a sled has major problems and should be avoided.
I encourage you to use this as one of many sources. There are a lot of good videos on the subject, and I hope this video adds to your information arsenal.

[@pauldionne2884]

Good job explaining things. Despite being an experienced used sled buyer I tend to get over excited when looking at a sled for sale. I miss a lot of things until I get the sled home and really give it a good going over. Despite some surprises, I always manage to get it back into shape for not too much money and no regrets. I keep promising myself to get a checklist together next time I'm a buyer.

[@ponycarfan]

That's how I am, too!

[@ehguy3628]

Nice video, good advice, and tks for the surprise fire up at the end.

[@mattgillard4582]

This is great, you are saving people a lot of money with your knowledge of the sleds.

[@ponycarfan]

Thanks!

[@lylejohnson5549]

For older sleds, also check the rubber carb boots that connect the carbs to the cylinder head. If these crack ( and they do, with age) the engine will draw too much air, running lean and hot. Overheated engines wear hard and fast and eventually self destruct. Just replace those boots if you’re not sure, they’re only usually about $50.

[@ponycarfan]

Excellent point! Thanks for mentioning that!

[@jimellis8051]

Very informative video!

[@ponycarfan]

Thank you! Leaves are turning here already, time to get the sleds ready.

[@crackerjackcreek]

Not sure if it's the camera reversing the image but it appears that the track is backwards. Are the arrows facing forward? Enjoy your videos

[@ponycarfan]

Now that you mention it, I don't honestly know! That sled is still sitting on my trailer, and I'll check it out and let you know. Good catch!

[@ponycarfan]

I checked the track, and it appears to be installed correctly, based on the way I remember those old tracks. There are no arrows. When lugs are asymmetrical front-to-back, like that track is, they always said the track should rotate so that there's more traction for braking than acceleration. This was for safety reasons. Newer track designs have cupped lugs, making them unidirectional. But, these old tracks, it was about whether you prioritize braking or acceleration. Thanks for bring this up - that's something I missed on my walkaround, and I'm glad I went back and checked. Would it be a deal breaker, if I had discovered it during the purchase? In this case, it would have been, because the sled was for a friend who probably won't work on it. If it was for me, I'd take the time to fix it, so not a deal breaker.

[@IbocC64]

It looks like the reason you have holes in the back of the tunnel is because of an aftermarket tunnel extension that was riveted on and your skid and track were then extended several more inches.

[@ponycarfan]

I can understand why you’d say that, it does look aftermarket. However, Polaris offered a longer skid to accommodate a 133.5” track and the extended tunnel on the Trail Deluxe - it came from the factory that way, believe it or not. On the original Indy chassis, other models were offered as an “SKS”, and it was the same thing. www.vintagesnow.com/Polaris_files/85%20models.pdf

[@IbocC64]

@@ponycarfan Wow, I would have guessed that was an aftermarket Frankenstein job. Good on you for knowing what your were getting in to. I would have bailed on that one.

[@jaredgriffin3270]

Some time the Speedo is the Speedo gauge🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ponycarfan]

Yeah, good point. But, if a speedometer doesn't work, my first suspect is the drive shaft bearing. The brake issue turned out to be air in the line. So, while I was prepared for it to be worse than that, it was an easy fix.

[@Timcanniff311]

Steel skis are no good

[@ponycarfan]

Yeah, I don’t like them. The newer plastic skis last longer and take a beating.

[@Timcanniff311]

@@ponycarfan ya the vibration is taken up by the plastic skis way better than the steel skis

[@Timcanniff311]

I prefer C&A pro skis myself

[@ponycarfan]

@@Timcanniff311 I've never tried those, but people love C&A. Levi Lavallee had a set of C&A leaf spring skis on a heavily modified 80 or 81 Polaris at Hay Days, which was pretty cool. I use SLP skis, and have been happy with them.

[@Timcanniff311]

@@ponycarfan in my own opinion they are the most flexible and stylish to boot