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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
Hey guys... I am a noob here. I have always wanted a snowmobile and now my parents have moved to a climate which can utilize a snowmobile up near Ottawa. I would love to get a sled but not sure where to start or which to get, or even how much I should look at spending in order to get something worth wild.

Online I have found a couple..

'92 Artic Cat Pantera 440 for 1795
'93 Artic Cat Pantera 550 EFI for 1995
'97 Artic Cat Panther 550 for 2495

2500 is the most I would like to spend.... are any of these good deals ? Am I off my ass to think I can get something good for 1500-2500 range ?

Thanks guys..

Scott
 

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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
I have driven snowmobiles before. But they were older ones without much pep. That being said, I am not looking for a racing machine or anything like that. More of a general purpose machine that can be lightly toured and also, at times, have a little fun with on a frozen lake or something.
 

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Originally posted by Invasion_1@Sep 20 2005, 01:42 PM
I have driven snowmobiles before. But they were older ones without much pep. That being said, I am not looking for a racing machine or anything like that. More of a general purpose machine that can be lightly toured and also, at times, have a little fun with on a frozen lake or something.
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My opinon is to buy something in the 500-600 cc range. Even a 440 would be okay if it were liquid cooled.

You price range should land you a pretty nice sled in the 1998-2000 year range.

My opinion would be to stay clear of 99 XC 600's I had one and it had some flaws.

Not bashing the Yamaha guys either but stay clear of the Yamhas in this time period due to there lack of suspension.

Find anyone of these and you should be happy:

1996-2000 Polaris Indy 500 and you will have a solid sled with some pep.
1998-1999 Ski Doo MXZ 600
1998-2000 Arctic Cat ZR or ZL 500 or 600
 

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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Thanks so much for you advice guys ! It definetly puts me on the right path !
I will start to keep my eyes peeled for some of these sleds and deals.

BTW.. is the Pantera a touring sled or more of a performance sled ?

Again.. my thanks for your quick replys.

Scott
 

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Originally posted by Invasion_1@Sep 20 2005, 02:37 PM
Thanks so much for you advice guys ! It definetly puts me on the right path !
I will start to keep my eyes peeled for some of these sleds and deals.

BTW.. is the Pantera a touring sled or more of a performance sled ?

Again.. my thanks for your quick replys.

Scott
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Scott,

The Pantera is a touring sled.

Paul
 

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If I recall, the early 90's cats with EFI weren't very good, I think in the price range you are looking to spend, anything will come with it's risks.

The 500 indy is pretty much bullet proof, as is the XLT, and the MXZ 670.

I think given the current state of sledding, trail pass $$, gas $$$, it's good to see someone coming into the sport, not leaving.

Enjoy
 

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Discussion Starter · #11 ·
Thanks... I am indeed looking forward to hitting the snow !
I know there will be a cost that goes with it, but my hope is, within a few min. out I will forget all about fuel costs !

Thanks for your advice too.... I will take it to heart for sure.

Scott
 

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Sheesh, I had a 99 xc 600 and to this day it was one of my faves. I think the advice on the zr or zl 500 is excellent advice. I would think an older xlt would still give good value for that kind of money, or even less with at least extra 10 susp. The way Polaris resale is, right now I would think there are folks out there that would dump their edges for 3000 bucks, that would be a good buy.
 

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For the price range you're looking in, I wouldn't rule out fan cooled sleds either. When I got back into snowmobiling last year I picked up a 1997 Ski-Doo MXZ 440Fan for $1700 and had a BALL last winter with it, and it would still hit 120km/h across a lake - plenty of speed to get the blood flowing on a cold winter's day. And those engines are bulletproof too.

Now my wife drives that sled (and she loves it) .. Newer fan cooled sleds still give you plenty of bang for the buck - and considering your price range, are MUCH better on gas. :)
 

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With the money your talking about spending i would look for the newest Polaris Indy 500 you can find. Then in a couple years look for an XC600.
 

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Originally posted by Invasion_1@Sep 26 2005, 04:28 PM
Hey Guys.... how is this deal...

I found a '97 Polaris XCR Triple. Looks in great shape, new track, chain, throttle, bearings, stored indoors... $1950.00

Comments ?

Scott
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If your looking to spice the old girl up a guy her a H.T.G . triple engine for it ,for a fair price.....
Cape Breton Stock............... :fluffy:
 

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Discussion Starter · #20 ·
Hey guys... I hate to keep bothering you but... I just found a
1996 MX Z 583 for 2500 OBO

Decent price ? What kind of miles should I be looking at as a breaking point ?

Thanks once again !
I am so stoked to see the sled community is so helpful !!

Scott
 
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