I don't want to walk!

[Guest]

When I was a young kid I had many sleds...the kind you ride out and walk back.
I have been thinking about getting a used sled but my budget has been prohibitive of a new one.Today I stopped to see a 89 Polaris Indy trail (488 I think)It looked like it was in good condition,little rust around the hinges and on the muffler but other wise was pretty clean.Track was in good shape with minor wear but no cracks or rubs on the edges.It also had 5400 miles on it.Is this a lot of miles? what else should I look for if I were to consider buying this sled?I would like to at least look like I know what I am doing if I give the guy a call.
Oh one more question.What would a sled like this be worth?

[CorynTracySellHomes]

Hey Fishead!

It was great fishing with ya this weekend!

Its hard to say wht its worth but I wouldn't pay more than $1000 for it. 5400 miles is alot, but if the machine has been maintained you should be in good shape! First thing I would do is have a compression test done it. Find out how many owners. If its a one owner, they tend to take better care of it.

Check the dipstick for for the crankcase, the stick probably should have some metal shavings on it, but check the color of the lube. It should be a liquid gold color if its white or pasty it hasn't been changed for a while.

Ask what the owner does to maintain the snowmobile, what he does when he summeriizes it. In the spring you should grease all the zerks to push any moisture out, and fog the motor and stabilize the gas.

Check the suspension to see if anything looks loose, broken, or sounds funny when you sit on it.
Lastly, ask if you can ride it before you buy it, ask to haul it out to a lake and take it for a spin, if you listen carefuly you should hear if anything sounds funny.
All else fails have Paul look at it, and take you for a ride on it!
Your friend,
Cory

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Visit us on the web at www.Athomeonthelake.com

[Guest]

Fishhead,

WHEW!!! Cory just about covered it. I would be more than willing to meet up and go look at it with you.

Paul

[Dave]

And when you get a sled, we can each take it for a spin. Just to break it in for ya, fishhead

[Guest]

I had the exact same snowmobile. I sold it for $900. It had about 5000 miles on it also. I sold it before winter really started but there was some snow on the ground. The speedometer did not work anymore. The seat had a tear in it. The track was original. That engine ran so dependable that it was tough to let it go. I had that sled for 3 seasons. Top speed on smooth snow free ice was high 70's. It had the small windshield which was nice. It also had duct tape covering some old painted on registery numbers. Dent in a ski and some cracks in the fiberglass hood. But even with all those cosmetic blemishes it was very handsome sled. Fan cooled was something that some people don't care for but I had never had a problem with it. I never pulled anything with it but it should be fine. Get the sled if you can you will be very happy. I now have a 97 yamaha sx700.

[Guest]

OK now I am looking for guys to help me sod my yard this spring!
I bought it!
Thanks for the responses guys and thanks Pwaldow for comming out to take a look at it with me.
HEY WHERES THE SNOW?

[Dave]

Oh oh, no more snow for the rest of this year, fishhead bought a sled.....lol

And, you don't want me helping with sod, I keep forgeting which side is up.

[Dan97]

Hey Fishhead...

Congrats on the sled purchase!! With proper up-keep it will serve you well. Sure it's a bit more "work" using a IFV (ice fishing vehicle) but it's well worth it.

My 488 Trail Indy was a "pet rock". When I was a lot younger, I did everything to break mine and couldn't. Trails, hill climbing, jumping, hay fields and even a mud run or two. She took it all without even a wimper. I wish I still had it.

I have a Polaris Master repair manual that covers that sled, so if you need any "factory" help with keep'n her going, drop me a line.

Stay safe......Dan

[Skipper]

No the truth is I bought a sled and now there is no more snow to go. I got out the first weekend I bought it and now it has not snowed for a month and have not been able to use it. sad state of affairs for me and I think the wife wants to say something but hasnt yet.

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Skipper

[Guest]

Dave,
I don't know what agreement you have with the big guy but the jokes over.Call him back and tell him to go ahead and let it snow!
Dan,
I am hopping that I will have no need for that manual!
Well I went for a little trail ride today anyway.There are some state trails right behind my house along the river bottoms.I found a little snow in the wooded areas and had a blast.I always used to complain every time it snowed,just ment hassles on the road and work around the house before.I can't beleive how a guys veiw can change in just a few short days.Am I going to end up giving up ice fishing for snowmobiling?Naw never happen!

[bigpike]

mind if i ask what you ended up paying for it?

[Guest]

Naw I don't mind. $750 I think I got a good deal.

[bigpike]

nope, sounds pretty good to me

[Dave]

Fishhead, I made the call. Hope we get a good dumpin' so you can have some fun on your new toy.