Best used snowmobiles?

[AHarris]

Would appreciate some inputs from snow savvy TDR members on what is the best value in a good used sled under $2K. I'm considering a '99 Yamaha Phazer with 3K miles for $1,499 that the owner says is in good shape. Basically looking for the most reliable used sled for the kids to romp around on and for an occaisional trail ride. I'm new to snowmobiles so any input on what is a good brand of used sled to look for is appreciated! What brands are known for reliability and low maintenance? What brands should I avoid?

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

One of your best bets would be a Polaris XLT '93-'95. There are soooo many of them out there that parts are very easy to find and they are very easy to work on. These were very reliable machines right from the start.

 

[BIGNASTY]

We are really new to snowmobiles also we have a Yamaha. When we moved to MT we bought what the BIL that has lived in MT his whole life said to buy because we had no idea Yamaha RS Venture GT it runs great and its plenty fast to hurt my self on im sure. But with most of the Yamaha equipment that I have its pretty good stuff. Both the wife and I can get on it at the same time and still has power to spare for 2 old farts just having fun. Bought it mainly for times when snow is to deep and need to get to town. Way over the 2K mark but just good Yamaha equip eval.

 

[DGamelin]

You cant go wrong with that phazer, we had nabbers that had one with 33k mikes on it. We have an 07 phazer and 91 bravo long track that has been worked like a tractor. We just sold a polaris that was a good sled, no one wants to ride anymore so I have been selling off the toys.



_________________________

93 250 2wd xc 354 auto 291k

04. 5 3500 4wd cc dully 373 6speed

 

[BIGNASTY]

When stationed in ME in the Air Force a buddy let me use his Rupp 440 nitro. That was a rocket!!!!!! After reading this post we went for a ride on the Yamaha its controllable power on the trail. We like it I guess that's the most important thing . I dont know how they stack up against the other snow machines. Comfort/quite/big enough for 2/ fuel lasted a LONG time. Some pics from our local snow trails there is a local club these are from their site. lots of room to ride

 

[mwilson]

If you are just ice fishing and towing grandkids around a Ski-Doo Safari 377 is a bullet-proof option as well.



Picked one up last winter that had been sitting for 7-8 years. Rebuilt the carb as the gas had not been drained, filled the injection tank with fresh oil and bought it a Wally-World battery for the electric start. Oh, new spark plugs also.



That was the only tinkering I had to do to it. From then on it just started and ran.



Mike.

 

[DValentine]

A Phazer is a good starter sled. I have 3 of them. Just have it jetted for the elevations you are going to ride. I live at 3500, and ride at 8 to 10k feet. Always err on the side of caution... . a little rich in the jetting and you will be fine.