Before You Buy a New Snowmobile

Jan 5, 2023 — Ah, Canada. A place where snow covers the ground half of the year — probably more in some places. If only there was some way to avoid much dreaded potholes on barely shoveled roads... some way to carve your own road...

Thank you Joseph-Armand Bombardier. Because of snowmobiles, the seemingly inaccessible has now become a playground, a backcountry trail, or a cause for adventure. But you can’t really go snow mobile without an actual snowmobile. So the question is, where do you start?

Since we’ve already got a buyer's guide on the different snowmobile types, we’ll focus on the questions you should be asking prior to considering one model over another.

On or off trail? Paddle depth? Performance and cost? Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, sledding season is already upon us!

What Terrain do You Plan to Ride Mostly?

There are several uses for each type of snowmobile, just as there are various types of snowmobiles. Before making a choice, consider the following: Are groomed or ungroomed trails your preference? Do you like going out where no one has ridden before, or do you like to play it safe? Will you ride solo or in groups? What is your experience level?

These elements will significantly influence your purchasing decision, and will determine which types of snowmobiles you gravitate towards.

Track And Paddle Depth

Snowmobiles come in various track lengths, mainly when crossovers are considered. Shorter tracks and shallower paddles are preferable if the core of your riding takes place on well-maintained trails. Longer tracks generally result in a smoother ride, increased flotation, and better traction when riding in deeper snow. Consider tracks and paddles that fall in the middle if you believe the use will be pretty balanced.

Consider Non-Standard Accessories

Will your snowmobile require any non-standard accessories? For instance, if you intend to ride with someone routinely, you'll need a booster seat for the rear. Alternately, some versions come standard with 2 seats, which may be more practical.

While many non-standard accessories can be added after purchase, some models might not work with specific extras. For example, non-standard attachments could include a dolly or other storage choices and an extra seat. These add-ons are helpful if your sole means of transportation to a cabin or cottage is a snowmobile.

Engine Performance

Who doesn’t enjoy "squeezing" their throttle handle to hear the thrilling roar of… their engine? What about that incredible "pshhht" sound of a turbo? Or maybe you don't care as much about the adrenaline rush as your riding companions do. After all, it’s just a fleeting feeling, likely to get you into all sorts of trouble if you’re not taking precautions. So, it would most definitely help to ask yourself the golden question:

How Much Are You Willing to Pay?

Brand-new sleds are expensive, though many payment-plan options are available to help you finance one that suits your budget. There’s also the [ominous music] used market… It’s actually not a bad option at all. Just be sure to inspect the snowmobile in order to spot signs of misuse or general wear and tear. As a general rule, look for sleds that haven't been over-exposed to adverse weather. Basically, avoid this:

Once you are sure of your uh… performance needs — as in: do you want your sled to handle well off-trail or do you want it to have lots of out-of-power options? — then you can focus on what you can afford. There will be some compromise if you’re on a budget, but there are still many affordable and reliable options out there, like the Polaris Indy 212 and the Ski-Doo MXZ Sport.

Bottom Line

A snowmobile is a versatile vehicle that's used for a variety of applications, from exciting pastime to winter workhorse. Before buying a snowmobile, it's important to make choices that apply to your specific situation, and to then factor in things like budget, aesthetic appeal, accessories and gear.

In the end, you should be able to select from a list of competitive models that offer similar, yet slightly different features. It’ll be up to you to determine what you prefer, and if you don’t know yet, that’s alright. Ask around, test drive models you think you’ll enjoy, and if you can, go on some day trips to see how comfortable you feel with a machine you’re fond of. In some cases, spending more time in the saddle can help you understand if you're most comfortable on a utility, sport, trail, or crossover model.

Happy hunting, we're sure you'll sleigh it!