Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time hobbyist, picking out the right used snowmobile is a must for your safety and fun. You need a sled you can trust if you’re going to enjoy years of this exciting sport.
Ready to start searching the market? Here are five tips for finding the perfect snowmobile!
1. Know What You Want
The ATV world is vast and sprawling so figure out what you want before you start shopping. You should look at:
- Style and silhouette
- Power and speed
- Previous mileage
- Fuel efficiency
It also helps to have a brand like Skidoo in mind when you start your search. This can narrow down your hunt to just the options you really want to consider.
2. Have a Firm Budget
You can further refine your research by setting yourself a solid budget. It’s helpful to know how much you’re willing to spend, but don’t neglect setting a lower limit as well. You get what you pay for, so make sure you find a balanced range of prices.
Keep in mind that there’s more than the cost of the sled itself. You may also need to pay for transportation and storage, not to mention gas, oil, and maintenance.
3. The Once Over
Don’t buy a snowmobile based on pictures alone; it’s easy to hide dents and damage with clever photo angles. View it in person and take it for a test drive if possible. If it looks dented or scratched, chances are that the owners didn’t take great care of it.
Check under the hood, too. If you have no idea what you’re looking for, bring an expert along with you. You want to avoid inheriting all the issues of a well-used sled.
Remember, any repairs that your vehicle needs should be accounted for in your budget.
4. Ask the Right Questions
History is important no matter what type of vehicle you’re buying. Ask the sellers about previous damage and repairs before handing over your money.
If the history checks out, ask how it rides, too. Knowing about any quirks ahead of time can keep you safer out in the snow.
Also, ask about specific care instructions. Previous owners will have plenty of insight that can make the sled last longer.
5. Be Prepared to Bargain
Don’t settle for what you think is the best deal, make sure that you get it. If you’re well-prepared to bargain, you can afford to look at snowmobiles above your price range. Who knows—you may even get utility trailers or other extras thrown in.
Some ways to increase your chances of a great deal are to make the deal face-to-face and to have money ready to hand over. You want to make your offer difficult to refuse!
Find Your Best Snowmobile Today
Snowmobiles are a great source of extreme winter fun. If you’re just getting started or you’ve been riding for years, use these tips to get the best deal on a used snowmobile today.
Is your wallet as ready as you are to buy that snowmobile? Contact us today to learn about your snowmobile financing options.