Buying tips and guidance for used Snowmobile
Posted on Jan 26th 2015
We Americans love our winter season. As cold weather starts to settle in across the country, winter sports start to come back to the forefront of outdoor enthusiasts all across USA. One of the most popular winter sports and activities is snowmobiling. Buying a used snowmobile is a big decision. While you may be so excited that you want to rush right out and buy one quickly, it is best to take your time and work through the decision to ensure that you make the best choice.
Buying a used snowmobile offers its own unique challenges. By taking your time and checking the following tips, you can make the best decision when it comes to purchasing your used snowmobile.
1) Check the Price and time to buy: If you are looking at getting a sled now you are looking at one of the worst possible times. Fall is a sellers’ paradise. Everyone has the bug to get a sled for the upcoming winter, the only possible worse time to buy a sled is if the winter came early and there was a ton of snow on the ground creating a high demand. Its better to wait till the end of season and purchase it when the demand is low.
2) Be realistic as to what you need: Your budget, ability and where you want to ride are all important when deciding what size snowmobile you need. It’s better to get the newest sled possible while staying within your budget; each year, sleds improve so getting a new design will always help you improve and enjoy the sport more.
3) Choose a brand: Every brand out there has some great sleds. Research about the brands and the things they offer. If you know a reputable sled mechanic, ask him what he thinks of the sled you are considering- if you know someone extremely knowledgeable on snowmobiles ask them.
4) General look: If a sled looks great then it probably is! Check the tunnel and body for any weird bends or warps—this will tell you if it has been hit hard. Check the skis to see that they are not worn or missing the carbides; also check the spindles to see that there is no unusual play in them. Check the suspension and A-arms to make sure everything lines up.
5) Inspect the underside of the sled for damage: Please be careful about the underside. It pays to look under the sled for signs of damage. Check the inside of the tunnel also.
6) Check the Engine: Try out a compression test. A snow machine that has been poorly maintained with few miles may be in worse condition overall than a well loved motor with hundreds of miles of use. Taking the time to start up the motor will also help determine the condition of the engine.
7) Look for signs that the sled has been stored outside: If there are signs of outdoor storage then it’s better not to buy the sled.
8) Mileage: Look at the odometer, get the mileage and ask if the engine has been rebuilt.
9) Ask questions: Ask questions till you are fully satisfied. Do your homework well before asking questions. Good owners will know their sled and will be able to answer all your questions. They can also let you know how to look after things in the future. If they are not able to help you then chances are they did not know what to do, so this might tell you how well the sled was taken care of. Finally get the used snowmobile inspected by a professional before taking the final buying decision.
Following these tips can help you avoid problems and find a used snowmobile that will provide you hours of fun this winter.