1991 Indy Trail 488 and 1993 SLT 580

Chuck403

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1991 Indy Trail 488 and 1993 XLT 580

Girlfriend and I are just getting into the sport, and rather than jumping right in with both feet and buying brand new, we are looking at getting used first. Makes more sense to learn on "beaters" rather than dropping several thousand right off the bat.

Trouble is, I have ignored snowmobiles for ever, and know next to nothing about them. We found the above mentioned machines for sale, and I was wondering if there are any known issues with either one of them. The Indy has 5000 on it, the XLT has 7000. That sounds high to me. Would I be looking at problems in the near future, or are these the type of machines that last forever? I have no desire to ride for a day, and fix for a week. Both of these machines look to be in great condition. I think they have had a pretty easy life. We would be using them mostly for trail riding. No groomers here, so may be some trail breaking here and there.

If you have any experience on either of these machines, or know someone that does, would love to hear from you. Thanks in advance.
 
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moyiesledhead

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Re: 1991 Indy Trail 488 and 1993 XLT 580

The 488 fan cooled were a pretty bullet proof motor. The XLT triples were known for losing the center cylinder. 7000 is pretty high for that one. But if you get 'em cheap enough it's not a horrible way to start.
 

Chuck403

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Re: 1991 Indy Trail 488 and 1993 XLT 580

I can get both the machines, as well as a trailer for them for $3000. He's 65 years old, so I am pretty inclined to think that the machines have has a pretty easy life. Thinking this should be a pretty good deal. If I can get a good year out of them, and go new next year once our quads are paid off, I'll be a pretty happy camper.
 
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174mcx

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Re: 1991 Indy Trail 488 and 1993 XLT 580

The 488 was used along time and never had much for issues. I had a 97 600 XLT (Diff motor than the 580) I traded it in with 9200miles on it with out any motor work at all. Since those sleds are 20+ years old you should call a dealer and see how parts availability is, parts get discontinued and never made again..
 

Chuck403

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Re: 1991 Indy Trail 488 and 1993 XLT 580

Thanks for the info everyone. Slept on it that night, and ended up going with 2 other machines. A '97, and '99 Yamaha Mountain max 700's. both with under 3k on them.
 
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