new purchase, deals

[minneman]

Been looking at buying a new sled and with the lack of snow not so sure its a good idea? would you think that a dealer would be more willing to price down their current inventory so they arent left with carryovers? or would they bite the bullet and hope for snow? My wife talked with an area dealer who came into her place of work and he was bummed about the weather and said it wasnt gonna be a good xmas for him since sales were way down, what are your thoughts?? thanks

[minneman]

Only thing I have no trade, was only thinking new for the reasons in prev. post, and only that. I cant justify the loss out the showroom door, my bro has a 00 MXZ 700 w/1300 mi, asking 5000.00 Is this a good buy? not really my first choise for a "fishing" sled, which I intend on using a sled for, but I sure had a blast chasing tip ups with it last year@ LOW!
BTW would using a performance sled like the MXZ for towing portables and the like, do any damage? belts, plugs etc.? Seems like its made to go to beat he77, and just putting, from spot to spot wouldnt be the best.?

[Guest]

I think 5 grand is maybe a little high priced. I just bought a 2000 Arctic Cat Panther 550 (The Ultimate fishing machine)For my Dad. That only ran about $3900 and it only has 250 miles on it. You should be able to find a good machine around that price range. A little hint, Buy what you want, not what someone else wants to sell you. Find a machine that will fit your needs and wants. Just a thought.

[Xplorer]

minneman,
I would consider looking at either late-model used or new non-currrent models. I was considering buying new last year, but because Iwas either trading/selling my used sleds decided not to. The dealer was gonna give me 1/2 of book value, because sales were poor. You can get a very nice newer sled for cheap right now or a new noncurrent. the price of the 2002's will be negotiable but not nearly as much as the other two catagories. My .02, Xplorer

[Guest]

Minneman,

Not sure about the price being too high as I'm not that well versed in cat prices, but I will say to invest the extra money in a higher performance sled and then use it for iceing would be a waste of money. Get something that's suited to your needs, you will be much happier.

Paul

[minneman]

Thanks for your input people, I've actualy been looking at a new panther and my thoughts were, thats the machine for me, I havent looked much at all at used, but I will, the paper is full of adds, I know theres one out there somewhere, thanks again!

[Xplorer]

minneman,
If you decide to look at used sleds check out the nada HSOforum for values. An example, 1999 indy trail touring with reverse/twoup seat average retail is $3500. With the glut of used sleds a guy could probably pick one up for around $3K. Dependable sled, bulletproof motor and longtrack. Good on the trails and a good fishing rig. Lots of deals to be had, wish I was looking for a sled now as prices are good for the buyer. Xplorer

[Guest]

minneman-
I have been using a '97 ZL 440 Cat (down scale model from a ZR) and I have pulled my permanent 4x8 fish house out onto lakes for miles, pulled dog sleds loaded with fishing gear and portable houses for TONS of miles onto LOW and many other lakes. I have a small $7 hitch on it and it pulls so much gear, its ridiculous.

This sled is trail performance, which is higher performance when I ride the trails and it has plenty of power to pull all my gear. I love this sled to death because of how it fits my needs for fun and work and never lets me down. I am hard on my equipment and this machine has truly earned my respect. I also maintain the heck out of it and know if something needs fixing. I have also had high performance sleds (like racing sleds MXZ, ZR, XCR) and they are so complex that it turns into a headache. The engines are really fussy to changing temps, slow speeds, etc. Keep it simple.

If you want a sled for only fishing, get something with at least 440 cc's. Then decide to get fan cooled or liquid. Mine is a liquid and I love it for late season when it is above 40 degrees. I have ran mine in 60 degrees before. Fan cooled you can't really run in temps over 40-45 and risk overheating. Something to think about at least.

[minneman]

CD, thanks for the info! your track studded?
My bro's MXZ 700 is only an option, since the only sled ive owned is a 340 75 pantera, the jump to that level is a bit much, I like your idea of simple,

Exporer, what size is that bullet proof engine? thanx again

[Guest]

My sled is completely stock, except for the windshield. I want to get a paddle track when I find $400 to blow. A paddle track is the way to go with all the stud restrictions and yearly fees to have studs on your sled!

MN laws are so ridiculous, if I remember right its a $50/year license one needs if you have studs on your sled, even if you don't ride the trails. What a joke. I could be wrong, since I don't follow this law because I won't put studs on my track.

Polaris does make a 500cc liquid that I feel is bullet proof. In my opinion, Polaris and AC both have great snowmobile products that are about equal in reliability, maintenance, etc. Just my .02

[Guest]

Minneman-
I have been riding sleds for as long as I can remember. There are some models that I am familiar with that are lemons, and to stay away from. For example, if it has 3+ cylinders, stay away unless you want a lake racer. Stay below 580 cc (hint?) for a good fishing/fun sled.

[Guest]

I just renewed my Mn. snomobile license and stud permit. The 3 year fee is $48.50. The annual stud fee is $13. Maybe I will get a chance to use it???
I use a Polaris 500 Classic for my ice fishing. I like the electric start but I wish I had a 2 up Trail. We strain the sled a bit(2 people) at times but it does the job. I need the studs for helping to pull the shack so I continue to pay the fee.

[minneman]

Is that fee mandatory, or is it just for when on certain trails??

[Xplorer]

minneman,
The motor in the older indy trials are 488cc fan-cooled. I have 2 '96 regular indy trails and thats what I use to haul my ottersled w/clam, auger and packbasket full of "stuff". Have hauled this up to 54 miles round trip on a laker trip to lower manitou lake in Ontario. Have never had a problem, only wish I had a long track. The engine has since been replaced by a 550cc in the new models. The 488 was around forever, and is the "brother" motor to the 500 liquid that CD was referring to.Both are solid choices, and if you can find a liquid I'd opt for that (not in the budget when I bought my 2!) We use ours for alot of trail riding, and its a great sled. Withthe price of new ones I will be keeping these for awhile (4800 and 4100 miles so far)
The hardest thing about buying used for me is not knowing how the previous owner maintained the thing.
Good luck, half the fun is finding "the right deal". Xplorer

[Guest]

Minneman,

A couple of things, first off if your snowmobile is registered in Minnesota then you need the stud permit, no matter what you ride. Second, the two motors that CD and Xplorer were talkin about are great motors. If you can find the money definately go with the liquod. It's a little more money, it weighs a little more, but boy is it long on performance.

Paul

[bigpike]

Pwaldo- The only time you need the stud permit is if you actually have studs on your track.

[Dave]

minneman, I'm not trying to stir the pot but, wouldn't this be the classic year to ask yourself, "would an ATV be a better purchase?" Maybe you already have one.
Why are you seeking a sled purchase with no snow cover to use it?

[Guest]

Because when there is lots of snow on the lakes and huge drifts we'll just laugh at you ATV'ers getting stuck while we are catching fish
No, serious now. I would never trust on only having an ATV for ice fishing, especially on LOW. I have seen so much snow on lakes that an ATV would be as completely useless. Just go buy an ATV and a sled to be on the safe side!

[Dave]

That's the best solution...get 'em both!
But, I'll still be abe to use mine during the sring, summer and fall, too

[Guest]

Bigpike,

You're right!! I meant to type no matter where you ride, not what you ride
Sorry about that guys.

Paul

[minneman]

thanx for all the input people! I just bought a 570 panther hopeing it'l fill my needs! anyone looking for a 75 340 pantera?runs good!

[Guest]

Minneman: I am toying with buying a Panther also, can I ask what year you bought & what kind of a deal did you get?

[minneman]

Whopper..Its an 02, the price tag was 5450.00, they droped that another 380.00 so thats 5070.00 plus tax,lic. I dont know if this is a great deal, but Im happy!!
ps, bought in DL

[Dan97]

Hey minneman..

What are ya looking to get out of that 340 pantera? Condition? Also, where ya located?

Dan

[minneman]

Dan, if I got 150.00 for it Id be happy, she looks a bit rough, but allways starts and pulls good, someone with the time to restore it might enjoy it, the track is in good shape, alternating 2/3 cleats, Im in the Detroit lakes area,