What should i look out for when buying a snowmobile
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4extreme
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I`d look for the word "polaris" and then run as far away as possible,lol. Seriously you may want to add want kind of riding you plan on doing. I look for loose steering, how well the sled starts. Turn it over on its side and check the carbides, and track and bottom of belly for dents. Look under the hood and look for oil or coolant leaks. Check the belt and look for black marks on the clutches. If you can test ride it check the shocks...does it bottom out over bumps even when the spring is dialed up. some sleds have rebuildable shocks some have to be replaced. Cracked wheels or rails and look at where the bolts for the rear skid bolt to the tunnel. If its been jumped alot the holes maybe ovaled or even new holes drilled and the skid moved.
dooryder
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i thanked you but not for that polaris comment 
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sumx54
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welcome to the site. Myself I would like to know the previous owner if possible. Anyone can make a sled look "purdy" for sale but was it really looked after, cleaned lots, consistant oil used, prem. gas used. Look for any hack jobs in the wiring. I'll have an 08 xp 154 for sale in April real cheap.
dooryder
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yes the super sports are great sleds for beginners and trail riding and maybe esay to moderate mouting riding
Scotty
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If you are not experienced with identifying some of the wear and tare details or symtoms of some major mechanical issue as described in a couple of the replys above you should ALWAYS bring a friend with experience to help you avoid buying a piece of junk.
If you're looking at a Cat, bring a Cat guy... a Polaris, bring a Polaris guy... a Yamaha, bring a Yamaha guy... a Doo, bring a Cat guy to talk some sence to Ya and help snap you back to reality
Good luck and I hope you enjoy your next sled.
Add to your list.... A engine compression test.
sumx54
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Even a well maintainded sled can have problems that even the owner didn't know about.
Like everyone said, check it over carefully for signs of a problem. It's a buyerbewaremarket.
Like everyone said, check it over carefully for signs of a problem. It's a buyerbewaremarket.
"AN" engine compression test...sorry BIGFEET I couldn't resist.
How's this.... Compression test 'A'.... It's the Canadian way !
plumbum
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How's this.... Compression test 'A'.... It's the Canadian way !
uuuummmm.... it's supposed to be EH!
KORE
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thats funny
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crazy_wheeler
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Depends...maybe the guy needs to sell it fast cause the gf is pregnant or something like that. Angry wife at home has alot of influence on things like that.
Seeing that your from Winnipeg and if this is a local sled I can bet you it has seen it's fair share of WFO ditch banging and some river runnin'. Does the suspension feel bagged out? When you push down on the front and rear suspensions does it return to ride height and how much does the shock extend when you pick up on the front or rear of the machine. Springs may be sacked out. Correct me if I'm wrong but didn't the supersport's come with rebuildable fox shocks or was that just the XCR's? Is there oil in the chain case and are there filings stuck to the end of the dipstick? Buying a used sled is like buying a used car or truck......Use your judgement
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Well have I got a deal for you,I had a guy come and look at a sled I have for sale,thinking this sled is perfect I decide I'm not even going to start it up and hopefully the guy will see how confident I am in this sled,As far as I know this thing is mint,ridin mostly by women and kids and very well taken care of.He shows up,I give him the key and promise it will start in less than two pulls which it did.Unfortunatly it siezed on one side as soon as it fired.So anything can happen as stated above.So now someone is getting a mint sled with a new topend(hense...the deal).
As bigfoot said,a compression test is simple and rewarding!
Good luck on your search!
catmando!
As bigfoot said,a compression test is simple and rewarding!
Good luck on your search!
catmando!
Haggis
Active VIP Member
I would check on a Polaris that the hood fits well into the grooves and the clutch cover is easy to slide the pin through - sure sign of damage. Also know the sled you are after - the graphics it came with etc and it should be easy to check for swapped out parts. Have a look on the chaincase stick - sludge is fine - pieces are not! Ask him to identify anything that may be wrong with the sled before you start checking it over and then you will get an idea of the honesty of the seller if you start finding things that were not revealed.
And - go in the daylight or with a good flashlight. Feel the motor to see if it is warm and has been started and take your time going over it. Best of luck.
What will a compression test reveal about the top end? Could it not be just a case of worn rings if the compression is low? Not a for sure that a new top end is needed - is that right?
And - go in the daylight or with a good flashlight. Feel the motor to see if it is warm and has been started and take your time going over it. Best of luck.
What will a compression test reveal about the top end? Could it not be just a case of worn rings if the compression is low? Not a for sure that a new top end is needed - is that right?
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