Snowmobile - The Slippery Slope
 

I am living on a lake in Michigan now, lots of snow and frozen lakes to drive on December to March.

I'm looking for snow machine recommendations. I do not need 400 HP, or 100MPH, I do not want to spend $10k on a machine. I want a decent machine for use a dozen times over the winter season. I do not need heated grips, GPS, and all the other 'over-the-top options'. If it's -40 I will stay inside. I need an appliance....

I assume I need a studded track, and some decent power, and reliability.

Would I regret this purchase?

https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/snw/d/1993-arctic-cat-900-thundercat/6603563890.html

It might be alright but it's pretty old and has been used a lot. I'd look at much newer sleds, they are plentiful in snow country and this is definitely the time of year to be buying.

I like Polaris but most of the others are pretty good these days. I'd go for one in the early 2000's, check condition, how it's been stored, service records or receipts, is the engine bay clean, track good, etc.
Run it for at least 10 minutes, it should run smooth and steady the whole time.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1529604208.jpg

This was a 1999 Polaris RMK 700......Sold 2 years ago with over 7,200 miles for $950. Never had the heads off and ran like new. Any RMK 700 from 1999-2005 will be great. After that, the bean counters took over and Polaris lost their way. (Photo taken right above cabin at Lake Cle Elum).

Or, if you can spend more: Ski-Doo 800 Etec (fuel injection)...2011 or newer....My 2011 has over 7,000 miles and now have 1,800 miles on my year old Ski-Doo 850......

And, YES you do need handwarmers. Be hard to buy a sled without. I rode in Yellowstone area this year when it was down to -16 F in the mornings.......Hand warmers are just a start when prepping for those days.....

I live in boatland. But, I am no stranger to snow sleds. Been on a few trips to Montana area and to Rockies and rented a few.

There is an old saying. If it flies, floats or f**cks. Rent it.

Cannot help but think this can apply here. Why not rent various models throughout the next season, then zero in on a model and style sled.

From my experience carbed models eat oil. Go with FI. From there on out I have no advice.

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Renting is not an option where I am.

I have a Polaris jet ski that I like, I will look for a snow machine of the same vintage.

Thanks for the feedback.