Should You Buy a Used or New Snowmobile? What to Look For in a Used Sled + Showing Off Our Fleet!

We take a look at a range of snowmobiles, from a brand new Yamaha to a couple of used Ski-Doos and discuss the merits of buying used versus new.
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#SkiDoo #Yamaha #Snowmobile

[@brucepeninsula2036]

Four seconds into the video, had to hit the like button. You get straight to the point. Unlike all the other time wasters.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks. We ride so we get it.

[@tucker12435]

Because of the insane prices for used machines I'm seriously considering buying a new one

[@OiIersFan]

Thats the dumbest thing I've ever heard, used machines are still 10k cheaper than new ones

[@PMI551]

I was actually wondering this very question yesterday, while hiking near Bracebridge. Awesome video, awesome channel.

[@michaelhodgkinson9730]

Great video, I agree with this lots of pros and cons for each. I bought 2 sleds this year I want used that was a little older Polaris 800 2014 pro RMK & 2013 switchback assault. Got them both for 4k$ CAD and the RMK had only 4000km needed only sliders & scratchers. The SBA needed nothing and was already rebuild at 5000k had 7500k on it in total. Both ran great this year and over all cost of buying the machines+registration +insurance+trailer+riding gear for two people. About $13000-$14000

[@woodswalker1111]

Awesome. Informative. Son and I got a pair of good used ones. We keep them well maintained and they keep us in the winter fun zone.

[@volvo09]

Loved the ending! You guys rock!

[@pajamatime5750]

What an excellent channel! Thanks guys

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Thanks, all you guys. Great information without getting too serious or promoting one brand like a sneaky commercial.

[@TruckKing]

You bet!

[@northerntoyota7584]

Great video guys! It’s crazy what COVID has done to new and used sled prices. In 2017 I bought a new leftover 2017 zr6000rr for $5000 off msrp. That same base viper was on sale (leftover) for $10,999! Just looking at your old mans sleds makes my back hurt lol

[@Saanjt]

Haha I loved the yelling guy xD Made it funny aswell :D

[@MrBillsfishin]

That was a really good review listing all the different options.

[@TruckKing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@21ZacDUDE]

The dad yelling questions in the background was so funny. Great video!!! Thank you

[@TruckKing]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@squatchlife5918]

“Get the jam outta the hole”. I’m totally stealing that!!

[@NIBtechsupport]

This was a fantastic video! I’d love to see more on the classic cat and skidoo! I still to this day love my 1991 Arctic Cat cheetah Touring! Only a 440 but love it to bits

[@TruckKing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@heatmoon]

Big dude, same here. We live in the cold, it comes in handy. That’s why I look for 2 ups too, never know when you might have family up who want to ride. Pantera is for me. Great sled, lots of power and comfort. Made in Thief River Falls by good people who are my neighbors and old classmates. Buy local

[@Roy-ii8lr]

I've got a 2005 M7 artic cat and a 2000 indy 500 Polaris. Both machines are great runners. Payed less than 5,000 for both and am verry satisfied with them.

[@GlennGoryl]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@TruckKing]

You are welcome!

[@konnieblaze2116]

Thanks for the informative video👍

[@TruckKing]

No problem 👍

[@EagleMiles]

Interesting reviews

[@kdmigloo]

Look for the channel lock marks on the speedo cable nut.

[@darylgrylls1140]

new snowmobile prices are insane,turning into a rich mans sport

[@kdking02]

Yup 24 k out the door for my expedition Extreme

[@BP-1972]

Just like UTVs

[@paulgroth5414]

Bought 4 sleds a year ago all 2001, 02 models, they run great, 4k miles on 1 ,2500 is the lowest mileage, rest are in between. I bought mine in summer which saves some money

[@Noob_Crew_Sledders]

shit it always has been haha

[@mp40submachinegun81]

Just bought a 2019 Yamaha sidewinder srx le litterly yesterday lol, no more mountain sled on the trails for me.

[@brokeboymotorsports5674]

Got a 98 Indy for $350 put $600 more into it and it only has 3200 miles. Been very reliable so far but yeah the suspension isn’t great but for the price I can’t complain

[@nickabdallah2612]

I like the idea of buying something about 10 years old with low kms they are out there ya just got a look for them . I couldn't imagine paying close to 20 000 for a new one and have it sit for 10 months

[@epi2406]

Awesome to see a Good channel done local to me

[@jonpearson2175]

Love this guy!

[@mooman86]

Another thing to mention is the location on where you live. Being in mid/southern WI we might get a few days of riding. Makes no sense to buy a new one unless you are going to chase the snow. We have a ZR500 and ZRT600 and they are more than fine for around here. Only thing I hate about them are the carburetors- no matter what you do it seems like at least one of them gives you fits every season.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Great info! I never thought about buying a snowmobile, but this was definitely interesting to watch. I always wanted one, but where I live we don't get enough snow to justify one, and even if we did, there's really no place to ride it legally. Also, awesome point about having that money tied up 10 months of the year just sitting there. Definitely makes the used one a smarter purchase.

[@TruckKing]

Anywhere there is snow there are organized trail associations. And, for most of us - trailering to the snow is the new reality.

[@trailrunnah8886]

@@TruckKing True. I live in Rhode Island, I'm told in Vermont there's a great trail association, and that you can get pretty much anywhere in the state via snowmobile trail network, which sounds awesome! Unfortunately that's a 4 to 5 hour drive for me, and I could never justify the expense of the machine, the trailer, and finding a place to store it all year. Luckily there are rental places, so I've done that a few times and have always had a blast!

[@judee00]

All my powersports are brand new purchases. That's cause I know how people use them, treat them and also lack of maintenance to them.

[@R.Nelson]

AWESOME 😎!!! You guys really put on a Great show!!...never had a ski doo but my dad's had a couple...one was a John Deere I believe..this was in the 70s

[@TruckKing]

Fun fact for you - in 1971 there were 171 snowmobile company's - everyone built them. Sears had a house brand!

[@R.Nelson]

@@TruckKing Cool!!! Thanks Truck King!!! Hey King Dad?? Could you put up pictures of your 76' 3spd F100 on the show maybe?? Love to see picture of tht truck!!

[@rondail5675]

I like Steve's 4-stroke!

[@TheNotimprezed]

If you are wanting to get into snowmobiles, atvs, boats, etc - try buying in the off-season or end of season. End of season is better to assess the running condition, but the person selling a sled in July is usually hard up for cash and easier to negotiate with. If you know what a really good price is, have the cash and space, you can buy a couple toys in the off season and resell them in the peak season for a decent profit.

[@xiden3559]

Still love my 97 zrt 600

[@mattteixeira2788]

Love my 2005 skidoo mxz 800

[@lobbyrobby]

I'm picking up a used 21 polaris assault 850 today. From talking to the guy and the pics/service records it looks like a great machine. Not cheap tho.

[@lucahoganyt4435]

I think the best thing to do is go new. Last year, I got a 2009 Ski-doo Renegade 600. Now I ride purely off-trail, I've never ridden on a public trail system before. I ride the same terrain as mountain riding just low elevation, so it's pretty tough on sleds. I got the Renegade last year for a respectable price, maybe $1000 less than what they usually go for. But it's used. Even if a sled is in good condition, if it's used, then expect to put at least $2000 into that machine in the first 2 seasons you have it. As for my Renegade, it's a 2009 and in repair bills, I'm very close to the same amount as a 2020 Ski-doo Renegade. That's how much has gone into that sled if I'm considering what I got it for and how much went into it. And it still needs another two thousand into the engine to get it running perfectly. Just buy new. You have warranty, you know how it's been ridden, and then there's the huge benefit. If you buy new once, you'll always have new. The prices of snowmobiles don't go up very much each year, especially if you stick with the same type of sled. Obviously there's gonna be a price difference if you go from mountain to trail or the other way around, but if you stick with the same type of sled, you'll barely be paying any extra for a new sled each year. Also just some advice, Arctic Cat is all around the best brand. Most reliable, best chassis, best motors, and the Alpha One is the king of off-trail sleds. A lot of people say it's underpowered, but the motors are so reliable in those things that you can strap a turbo on it and not even have to worry about burning out the motor. But yes, especially with the older ones, I know what you mean with the oil. I used to have a 1998 Z440, I would go through a tank of oil every few weeks with that thing.

[@benjihoffman7949]

I always look for the old guys when I want to buy a used sled. I get very lucky where I live, some guys treat their sleds like ferraris, spotless and everything logged in books

[@paulcondie2520]

Just like a new truck I can't afford a new one! So, a used one or no one! Lol As pap said, it's a no brainier Great vid as always

[@gman77gas]

Me.

[@adamlee4252]

Me too, asked the wife I said do you one nice new truck or a mediocre truck and and bunch of half decent toys lol and new we have toys

[@paulcondie2520]

@@adamlee4252 great minds think alike. I got alot of cool stuff, not much is brand new. I buy low mileage used, or best bang for the buck

[@hawkofthenorth4829]

The Ski Doo rev platform 03-07 is still a great sled for 2500.00 they keep up with the newer sleds and cost 1/10th as much.

[@ourkid2000]

The problem with those is that every one you find has been beat to death and likely modified. Nothing lives a harder life than a Rev I think.

[@cpenney96]

I'm riding a 2004 mountain cat 900 efi 159. 3800 original kms on her. :)

[@613doo]

Hey Steve just an FYI 1200 4tec...not etec, love the channel, I'm an ex 1200 owner, great sleds but I own 2 other new 2strokes and they are amazing

[@TruckKing]

Thanks for the info!

[@Hockeyfan9884]

This past summer, i purchased a T-Cat 900 Thundercat ,Mountaincat 1997. My first ride out was today, not much snow, however enough. Top end was rebuilt by a professional redseal mechanic, including cylinder sleeves and it is dang FAST . just how fast does these machines go and what is the h.p, ?

[@jonsmith398]

i had a 1972 nordic skidoo 440 it would spray gas out of the tilosen carb wish i still had it

[@Darkhorse393]

I have found 2 strokes seem to blow up a lot. I don't ride anymore mainly because of I'm old and I have been listening toy co-workers for years talk about who blew up when they go out on weekends. At least one rider per weekend

[@TruckKing]

Ultimately depends on how you ride - I can honestly say in 20 years of riding I've only ever blown Two belts on the trail and one brake caliper seizing. If you look at that over the thousands of Kilometers I've ridden I'd say comparably reliable to a car (Or four stroke sled). If you beat your machine up all day every day you'll obviously have more failures. - Matt

[@coryernewein]

I need an assisted starter...looks like an expensive part to keep fed and watered though😉

[@TruckKing]

Tell me about it

[@duramaxklem1491]

ALWAYS look for tunnel buckling.

[@TruckKing]

OR - don't buy a sled from any 20-something! ;)

[@ProCompSolutions]

switch to Amsoil and follow the bottle instructions. WAAAY less smoke and uses alot less oil.

[@coryernewein]

2002 Polaris XCSP is my trusty steed. My father bought it brand new and when I did his roof a couple years ago it was my payment lol

[@Welcometofacsistube]

800?

[@coryernewein]

@@Welcometofacsistube it's just the wee 600 but I happen to be piecing together an 800 from a blow 2003 RMK. Got the block, stator, magneto, waterpump for 150$. Got about 300$ into the rebuild and am on the hunt for carbs, and cdi now lol

[@ih302]

That 1200 is only a little better than broken in @ 10,000 km. I have a 2005 AC T660 Turbo Touring, the thing rides like a Caddy. Those old ZX chassis Grand Tourings are bullet proof, I put almost 27,000 km on a 2002 500 LC that I bought new, sold it at five years old and last saw it a couple of years ago, still running and looking good. Note on the Grand Touring, the DESS security system requires a good battery in order for the machine to run so I strongly recommend you throw a new battery on it.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks, you just confirm (for newbies) that there are good older sleds around.

[@ih302]

@@TruckKing $2500 is my starting point if I am looking, I find anything cheaper than that isn't worth the trouble. Some of that may be the local market, snowmobiling is big in western Newfoundland. On the east coast of the island they do not get reliable snow, they'll have one good year in 5 maybe so there are deals to be had if you are willing to drive.

[@anth8597]

Great video, Steve what happen to the cheap snowmobile you and your brother were fixing?

[@TruckKing]

Still in Matt's garage - got to talk to him and finishing it. (to be fair he had a new baby - spare time disappeared)

[@jayhunter59]

May have been answered before but i need that jacket! Any chance i can get an update on where it's from?

[@Johnrider1234]

I have a stx sidewinder gt

[@jamescantlin1072]

Buy with warranty new or ussed I trade up every two years don't have to come up with munch money and always under warranty it's about $ 2500 a year and always on new sled.

[@thunderroad7289]

Ski Doo should be paying you guys for the advertisement. I like those year Panteras

[@jaycleveland6910]

Very used sled and can keep up and fix my own sled

[@Sebastian_Dinwiddie]

My last sled was a 79 Everest 340. Have there been any advances since then? 😏

[@EagleMiles]

Do you have tips for bringing a snowmobile out of storage for many years

[@patl.5504]

If your planning of doing long trips, I say stay away for the old stuff .... i do between 3500 to 6000km per year (my max was 9500km) and I keep my sled a maximum of 5 years and I still put money on them. If your just going around the neighborhood or to the ice fishing cabin the old stuff is just fun and affordable. So two big question is how much will you do and how far will you go ?

[@TruckKing]

Agreed. Big thing I wanted to get across is that if you're new to this - just really want to get out there - you can go cheap and still have fun.

[@patl.5504]

@@TruckKing 100% with you. Just to get to the sport to know if you like it, used is definetely the way to go. Less of a loss if you don't like it.

[@rickcollins7172]

Dealer repairs are getting so expensive that if you aren’t handy it can be very pricey. Four stroke sleds take the fragile two stroke engine(especially 800 or 850s ) out of the equation but sleds still require maintenance if you pile the miles on. We rebuild shocks every 5,000 kms to keep them perfect

[@Ultrafrozen]

Viper for the win! Where is the ride comparison?

[@TruckKing]

We didn't think it made sense to compare all these sleds, because they're SO different. But we did make an entire ride comparison video between the Viper and the Renegade, so stay tuned for that.

[@LSDdreams808]

Ill stick with my 2002 ski doo mxz 700 its all i need . I just cant justify paying 15k for a new machine.

[@tijerdog]

I just bought a 2001 Arctic Cat ZL 800 in good shape for 2000$ CDN but it has 11 000km on the clock, is it a good deal?

[@MrHugawa]

get your son to start it...lol, next best thing to electric start..luv it

[@gman77gas]

They all drive to the tavern!

[@sethkrahn3155]

Your Canadian eh? I am too but where did you get all this snow, there’s none in Winnipeg here

[@TruckKing]

You gotta pay your snow tax man!

[@goleafsgo8496]

Returning to the Snowmobile world am looking for a touring sled nice and plush. What is the spare parts situation for a sled 20 years old? For example can you still purchase a new track for a 2000 model year? I get that hoods and seats maybe are no longer available but what about the non cosmetic stuff? Cheers appreciate any feedback ... 👍

[@TruckKing]

The wear parts (like sliders) don’t change. that much, so I’ve had no problems buying for an 02 Cat and 01 Skidoo

[@goleafsgo8496]

@@TruckKing cheers everything is so expensive I the powersports world right now so eithercI wait or perhaps go a little older then originally planned?

[@mikefoehr235]

I am too old to freeze now. Here in southwest ontario there is no snow. I would have to drive to my camp in Shining Tree to go snowmobiling and the season is so short. I think an ATV is more practical and useful with global warming. I sure love the old cat. I always loved Artic Cat.

[@TruckKing]

Shining Tree! Now that's a drive! And you're right year-long use led to the rise of the ATV. But, there is still something uniquely special screaming across a frozen lake in two-feet of powder.

[@mikefoehr235]

@@TruckKing I remember going across lakes around Shining Tree and Westree in -30 or colder days years ago. Had a 77 Panther 4000 and briefly a 340 TXL liquid cooled. Polaris was useless in deep powder. The Panther was like snowshoes. Panther 5000 was even better. I liked the 440 SUPERJAG my dad had....was great for breaking trail.

[@kerryrwac]

It's probably cheaper to go to a resort in Quebec for the weekend and rent a sled.

[@TruckKing]

You can do that in Ontario too. And, you're right - if you just want to do it once.

[@Froe69]

Most people can't even afford a viper, those things are hella expensive. J get a summit

[@dirtrider88]

8:58 checking how many miles it has is pointless if you dont make sure the the speedo is working. if the speedometer isnt working then its not keeping track of miles.

[@ameyers67]

How much jam do you get out of the hole?

[@TruckKing]

Enough to cover my bagel - easy...

[@candiannorth2011]

Hah we use are for 10months of the year in the northwest territories

[@TruckKing]

That's the sledders dream.

[@milojanis4901]

Because of the unbelievable prices of new OR used sleds, combined with terrible modern Winters, it's best to not even own one anymore

[@BG-vq9fd]

Any suggestions for "BIG BOY" clothing?

[@TruckKing]

In Ontario - Royal distributing carries everything. Also, on-line there are several good companies that carry every plus size of snowmobile gear.

[@tucker12435]

You said 1200 etec, and you meant 1200 4tec

[@peiguy1982]

Disappointed papa Elmer didn't get an 800 triple triple pantera. Could have shown the wife how to pick the skis in the air.

[@roberth3094]

Perform your due diligence on a used sled. Use the thousands you save on any unseen repairs or upgrades you want. It will be your custom sled.

[@666dynomax]

8:30 you don't have a valid trail pass though ;)

[@user-no3oy7pc8z]

Better keep that yamacat mint and don’t use it after Yamaha’s announcement this morning

[@otahu26]

10 000 km.. Your Suspension parts are worn out. ESP by the limiter strap.

[@joeyholthusen6495]

Kinda like looking for companionship. New, gently used, and very used. 😨

[@emperorpalpatine7417]

Am a kid and want snowmobile for cheap

[@freed14760]

Storage in sled?

[@TruckKing]

Yes, but it's small - enough to carry your ownership and a bottle of water.

[@alexgear9372]

Skee dew

[@jro341]

All sleds cost money. Especially if you ride hard. The point is having fun.

[@kentkirkpatrick7953]

Guess I'm doing it all wrong. I keep getting early 70s sleds for free and spending hours of my life making them run! It doesn't have to cost thousands to have fun!

[@collinscowzer9789]

If you want to see very used look at my sled

[@Bear-hr8rn]

When he's says lots of jam for the 600, does he mean he's jamming the throttle all the way down and wishing it had more ccs? Also if that Pantera had the 1000 triple it would eat the rest for breakfast.

[@TruckKing]

jam = power; it's a Canadian thing.

[@shawnbaraw2637]

Hahaha VIDEO ASSISTANT!!!!!!

[@Michael426]

😂 who needs electric start when you got when got children (take it that’s your dad and brother)

[@TruckKing]

Yes, the DNA test came back positive.

[@thomaspaul2465]

Snowmobiles ended for me when they didnt deliver on the Thundercat 1100 in 2003. Instead they built a 2 clylinder 900. Almost compareable to building a V6 Raptor instead of a Coyote V8 Raptor. TRX supercharged V8? Just shows how stupid that was. Never bought a sled since. New sleds are ALL garbage.

[@TruckKing]

Lots of old ones around.

[@thomaspaul2465]

@@TruckKing I kept my 2002 for as long as I could. Manufacturers should have built a Thundercat 1800 triple by now if they wanted my business. Old sleds are too much maintenance. Chemicals in the gas wrecks them. You need a new motor from a manufacturer that builds an engine that meets and deals with that. I am the type of person that wants the newest thing and I have to have reliability. I am going to support Taiga when its out this fall. Going to learn how to modify electric, only thing interesting at this point. Hope they make something more styling to that of a T-cat. Too pi$$ed off at other manufacturers to ever buy any of their current garbage.

[@greggbarr5001]

I bought a 98 t-cat last may. I'm in love with it!

[@joeydesousafishing1203]

New sleds are way better than old ones

[@Ur_mom_loves_the_yz]

Yamaha Na I good the Yamaha chassis is not that good and the front end is bad and it’s a bad 4 stroke lol

[@otahu26]

The Motorsports industries Should Not be allowed to give out 84 month payments! If You can't buy it cash or with-in 4 years. It is not for you. Stay out of debt.

[@jaycleveland6910]

Pansies on snowmobiles🤣🤣🤣

[@Werdnasemajjamesandrew]

I wouldnt piss on a snowmobile. What a waste of money. Canadian jet ski.

[@otahu26]

man You Guys need to stick to Doing reviews on cars and trucks. 105 PSI on a 440/500 cc engine is normal. Esp from the 90's. They did not have the high compression as todays sleds.

[@chimrichalds1422]

For the Americans watching 1400 kilometers is 17 feet.

[@TruckKing]

Cute - maybe give them the conversion for liters of maple syrup to beaver pelts. ;)

[@chimrichalds1422]

@@TruckKing will do! And I'll include moose to horse power. Keep up the good work our northern friends!

[@inquisitive980]

2025 will all be electric.

[@user-qo1gk2kj3e]

Dont buy someones tortured scrap...buy new.