Swap meets / grass drags

Has anybody found a good deal on a newer sled at one of these? I know Princeton has grass drags coming and Forest Lake also has something soon. I’m toying with the idea of a long track sled, 4 stroke motor, fuel injected. To be honest I know nothing about the modern day sleds or the good or bad dealers out there.

Are the newer sleds loaded with computers and electronics that are nightmares or are they pretty reliable? What about maintenance is it expensive? Is it to complicated to do yourself, is a dealer the best option?

I’m looking for a comfortable trail riding machine. I won’t be going fast and racing around. I won’t be using it for fishing. Just trail riding shooting some pictures from time to time.

Any and all comments on the brands will be helpful. I’m not brand loyal, I just would want something reliable.

I usually go to Hay days every year. I have bought 1 sled from there in the past. There are plenty of places you can buy new or nearly new at the swap for good a good deal, just walk around scope it out before approaching anyone! I used to get a swap spot each year.

As for a sled with a 4-stroke, I cannot help you out there. I can tell you that BRP has enough faith in their ACE line of motors that they started putting them in their SXS Can Am machines. I have heard nothing but good from Ski-doo 4-strokes, but I am also brand loyal to BRP. Yamaha has been in the 4-stroke sled game longer than any, they are also worth taking a look at. The last sled I bought new was a 2006 Ski-doo Renegade 136″. I loved the sled so much that i’ve had it for 10 years now. Some sleds come and go, but this one will always stay. My 2006 is SDI and I would never touch a carb on a snowmobile again, I love it.

How long of a track are you thinking? The words comfortable trail machine and long track don’t necessarily go together well. my 136″ is noticeable at low speed turns compared to a shorter track. Any longer than 136″ and you will almost NEED to power turn if taking turns at low speeds…I don’t think I would ever buy a sled shorter than 136″, it is a good balance for the type of trail riding I like, fast and hard.

Either way you cut it, all newer sleds are a ten-fold improvement over the older models. Snowmobiles have come a VERY long way in the last 10 years. My advise, sit on each model and find the one that fits. Each sled will have it’s ups and downs, but at the end of the day they will all cost you money for service and maintenance.

Two years ago I purchased a Ski Doo renegade 4 st 900 cc sled (I’m 71 now) I’m extremely pleased with this sled good on or off trail and plenty of power for me. I still ride 2,500 miles a year plus groom trails 2 times a week. From 0 to 50 it will keep up with any 600 2 st sled. Zero problems just gas and go, change oil and filter once a year. Very comfortable ride, great hand warmers, get the tall windshield. They also hold good resale value.