Things to Consider When Buying a Polaris Snowmobile

If you’re into snowmobiling, it doesn’t matter what time of year it is. It’s always the perfect time to look for a new Polaris snowmobile.

But with so many different types and features, it can be hard to choose which Polaris snowmobile you want. While we’d love to tell you to buy one of each, most people don’t have that kind of budget.

But with Polaris recently coming out with 47 new models in 2018, we thought the choice might be hard to make on your own.

Instead, we’ve decided to help you decide which Polaris snowmobile is right for you. So grab your favourite seasonal drink and grab a pen. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Buy a Polaris Snowmobile?

Here’s what the Polaris company has to say about themselves:

“Leading the industry in superior performance, lightweight agility and the ultimate ride & handling, the full Polaris lineup brings something for every rider.”

Tough to beat that description. And you know you’re going to be buying quality when you buy a Polaris snowmobile.

But of course, each Polaris snowmobile has its pluses and minuses. And you want to make sure you buy the best one for your needs.

So here are a few questions to ask yourself.

What’s Important to Know When Buying a Polaris Snowmobile?

Whether you’re in the market for a used snowmobile or a new one, you need to know first what kind you want. What features are important to you? What does the terrain look like near you?

With that in mind…

Here are the types of models Polaris offers:

Trail Performance snowmobiles or Rush sleds: Great for all corner-to-corner quickness. It also rated best for all-around control.
On & Off Trail snowmobiles or Switchback sleds: Carries up to 2 riders. Excellent for deep snow, rutted trails, or for those days you want to stay on the well-groomed trails.
Deep Snow snowmobiles or RMK sleds: Known as the “Rocky Mountain King.” This is perfect for any riding ability and is also the lightest and strongest machines Polaris makes.
Casual Snowmobiles or Indy sleds: The perfect combination of performance, value, and fun. It also carries 2up, so it’s great for family fun.
Recreational Utility snowmobiles or Voyageur sleds: Extremely versatile. Just as great for having fun or hauling wood.
Extreme Crossover snowmobiles or Titan sleds: This one does it all. Go exploring in the backcountry or use it to haul items. You can use it everywhere for everything.

What Accessories Come with a Polaris Snowmobile?

These machines come with some great accessories. And most of them are fantastic. But before you get overly excited and buy them all, do some serious thinking about your current lifestyle.

Because while we all like to think we’ll suddenly turn into a mountain man or woman, most of us won’t. So buy what you know you’ll use and remember you can always buy more accessories later.

Here are some great Polaris accessories:

Coolers: Perfect for when you’re spending the day with friends and family, and you need to bring some food and beverages.
Seating: Heated seats, anyone? Or how about a passenger seat? Or a heated passenger seat? These options are all available to Polaris buyers.
Storage: They’ve got storage for everything you might need to bring with you. Like storage for maps, shovels, and even an underhood, goggle defrost bag is available.
Skis & Carbides: Just like in downhill skiing, not all skis are alike. With Polaris, you can choose which skis will work best for you and your needs.
Towables & Utility: Figure out how you’re going to use your Polaris snowmobile and then take a look at all the options available. There’s every towable you can imagine like hitches, and belts, and receivers (oh my!).
Handlebars: They offer a convertible passenger seat hand-warmer kit. They’ve thought of everything! Oh, and handlebars and mirrors, too.
Digital Display: For those super tech geeks out there who love snowmobiling, Polaris even offers a digital display.

What’s Best for protection and style?

Hood and Side Panels
Running Boards
Skid Plates
Bumpers
Spindles

What Should I Look at Before Buying a Used Polaris Snowmobile?

While everyone likes shiny and new things, sometimes it makes more sense to buy something used. When you’re in the market for a used snowmobile, you want to look out for a few things.

Here’s what you need to look for:

Appearance: When you’re in the market for a new one, aesthetics may be something of importance. When you’re buying a used one, you must buy a machine that looks well-cared for. If it looks beat up, chances are it is beaten up and poorly repaired.

Check to see if the skis are straight and underneath for cracks or dents. Also, watch out for used machines with lots of stickers. They’re usually there to hide something they don’t want you to see.

Clutches: When taking it out for a test run, check to make sure the clutch engages at or around 4,000 RPMs.
Seat: While it may seem minor, repairing a seat can cost up to $200. Or hey, if you like riding around with a wet behind, be our guest.
Track: Look underneath to make sure all track lug nuts are in place, and none are missing.

Which Parts Should I Make Sure to Look at Before Buying?

Suspension: Ask the owner when the last time the shocks were serviced. If they can’t remember, don’t buy it. Also check front trailing arms, A-arms, steering bearings and tie rods.
Exhaust: Some states have laws about noisy exhaust pipes. They will ticket, so check to make sure. Also, check for holes and dents in the system – that will tell you if the machine has ever had a crash.
Engine: While checking the miles seems like a no-brainer, remember that it is possible to turn back the odometer.

How to Check the Engine: Start the motor cold. Use the choke. If it stills requires the choke after it’s gotten warm, there’s a problem with dirty gas or bad carbs.
Take Compression Readings. Do it on all the cylinders. You can buy a Tester for $15 at any auto parts store. Good reading for your cylinders is 120 -125 PSI.
Electronics: Check all the lights – especially if it’s daytime out when you go to inspect the snowmobile. Make sure both the high beams and low beams work correctly. While you’re at it, check the heated grips and all the gauges, too.
Gearing: A simple dipstick test will do. Just make sure there is fluid in the gearing. If you see metal shavings on the end of the stick, it’s okay. This is to be expected, and it doesn’t mean anything wrong.

Why Buy a New Polaris Snowmobile?

There are many reasons you should try to find a Polaris snowmobile for sale new. They’re new and shiny and therefore more fun.

But there are also these reasons:

No Damage
No Miles
Your Choice in Make and Model: This may not be an option with a used model. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes people buy a snowmobile and only use it once or twice before selling it.
Manufacturer’s Warranty: Most new models come with a 1-year warranty. You can usually extend that warranty for up to 5 years. However, more often, warranties are now being offered to used machines as well. Ask your dealer before making a purchase.
New But Non-Current Inventory: While the model may be old, there is often an older stock that hasn’t been used available. And they’re usually being sold at a great price.

While financing was long thought to be only for buying new items, it’s no longer the case. We’re proud to announce we’re so dedicated that we work with over 15 banks to help ensure you go home with the right snowmobile for your needs.

Not just your budget.

How Has Polaris Improved Their Latest Models?

The 2018 Polaris snowmobiles are in. And they exceeded expectations. Here are two of our favourites:

The 2018 Polaris 800 Titan Adventure 155″: Doesn’t get stuck in heavy snow. It can haul heavy loads through all types of terrain. I can even handle it all at any speed. Great rear cargo space. And you can also attach a two-up seat drop and bring someone along for the ride.
The 800 Titan Adventure: Great on-trail handling. Revised geometry to control pitch. Purposely built for deep snow riders who are also looking for excellent handling on groomed trails. Will handle very well when using your snowmobile for racing purposes.

Whether you choose to buy a new Polaris snowmobile or an old one, you can’t go wrong. Just find the right snowmobile dealer in your area that will take care of you. They are well made, built to last, and you can always find one that fits your specific needs.

But that doesn’t mean that discussing with professionals who know, love, and understand Polaris snowmobiles won’t help you make the right decision for you.

We also recommend you refresh yourself on all the snowmobile safety tips to make sure your new riding experience is a great one for years to come.

And for your budget.

We’re proud to be a Polaris dealer. Contact us to learn more about new or used snowmobiles or just how to get a new part for your machine.