Best Used Snowmobile Under $5000

You can find a quality, mechanically sound used snowmobile for a fraction of the price of a new model.

If you want the best value for the money, the features for your riding style, safety, and comfort, here is a guide to buying the best-used snowmobile under $5000.

The 2010 Polaris 800 RMK 155 is the best-used snowmobile under $5,000. It’s a reliable sled that packs 799cc of engine power with high torque for powering out of trouble, light body weight, maneuverability, and push-button reverse gear. Its carbon fiber construction lightens the weight in this celebrated model which is a solid value for the price.

Best Used Snowmobile Under $5000

Description

The 2010 Polaris 800 RMK 155 is a deep snow sled with a powerful engine for heavy-duty use.

It’s at home in backcountry riding, receiving acclaim from SuperTrax magazine as “vertical sled of the year.”

Its raw performance plows through deep powder with ease, but also traverses groomed trails for riding enjoyment for casual riding treks.

It’s loaded with features that make it an exceptional value for versatility in all riding conditions. This model is titled “The Dragon” because of its power and agility.

Outstanding Features

• Optimized Lug Pattern – The optimized lug pattern for the Polaris Series 5.1 track features 2.4-inch lugs that give riders enhanced lug contact with 19 percent more forward contact, and improved traction in snow and ice. The 154-inch tracks are exceptional for moving through deep snow and ice.

• Pre-Filter Intakes Optimized Engine Airflow – Pre-filter air intake technology placed on the dash behind the windshield provides a large surface area for minimal snow ingestion, maximizing the flow of air to the engine to minimize stress on the components for longevity and maximum performance.

• Polaris Electra Reverse Control – The PERC Reverse is a push-button style that is easy to engage for convenience in backing out of tight areas for the ultimate control in snowmobile maneuverability.

• Liberty 800 CFI Engine – The monoblock twin, 2-cylinder engine with Cleanfire injection provides mid-range power and fast acceleration with top-end torque in its class with a 795 cc displacement, and liquid-cooling.

• High Fuel Capacity – The 11.5-gallon fuel tank holds plenty of petrol for extended trips, versus the standard 9.5-gallon tanks found in most mid-range sleds.

• Lightweight Body Construction – The durable yet lightweight construction of this sled provides exceptional floatation. The strong rails are made of lightweight materials that decrease the overall weight to a scant 487 pounds for achieving higher speeds with better aerodynamics.

• Gripper Skis And Series 5.1 Tracks – The Ski stance of the Gripper Skis is 39-40-41 inches with 155 x15 x 2.4 inch Series 5.1 tracks designed for deep snow and powder.

• Adjustable Suspension – The front suspension features IQ RMK adjustable RydeFX shocks and Ryde FX track shock with 9 inches of travel. On the rear is an RMK RydeAFX track shock with 15.5 inches of travel.

User Experience

The Polaris RMK has strengths that rival the competition for the 2010 model year. The use of carbon fiber material increases the strength and durability of the sled.

It also lightens the overall weight for better driver control and maneuverability. It’s in the mountain class sled group and can tackle backcountry riding and climbing grades in deep powder as well as any.

The longer tracks give it an extra boost of traction. The mid-range power combined with long tracks and high torque at open throttle, and light body weight make it spectacular for preventing bog downs in slush areas.

Price Comparisons

The 2010 Polaris 800 RMK 155 costs $4,995 for a used model with 4,619 miles on the engine.

Compared with the Arctic Cat M8 153 Limited, the Polaris sells for an average of $1,000 less in price.

It’s the better value with a longer track for better grip in mountain trekking.

What I Like

• Mid-range power with solid torque for powering out of deep snow and slush.

• Large fuel tank for longer rides.

• Light machine weight for better maneuverability.

• Longer tracks for enhanced traction in deep snow and slush.

• Innovative design in its era that is still relevant today with light body weight and power for bog-down prevention.

• The price is an exceptional value for the quality of the machine and its outstanding features. Polaris is a trusted brand.

What I Dislike

• Pull start is less convenient than push-button in newer models.

Product Updates

Polaris maintained a schedule of upgrades that included reducing the weight of the machine while lowering the rotational inertia for better vertical movement for leans.

They installed a QuickDDrive system that weighs over 6 pounds less than the previous chain-driven system.

Polaris resorted to gluing many of the components with a strong and durable adhesive that significantly lightened the weight of this model in 2010.

How To Choose The Best Used Snowmobile Under $5000

1 – Consider Your Riding Style

The best-used snowmobile must be suitable for the kind of riding you plan to do.

If you’re planning to do heavy-duty riding through deep snow or pull steep hills, a powerful machine in the Utility class.

Trail riders may prefer a touring model with more creature comforts. Mountain sleds are made with longer tracks and powder skis for tackling more challenging conditions.

The snowmobile should be equipped with all the features that will make the ride safe and enjoyable.

2 – Look At The Mileage

Sleds with lower mileage are best whenever possible. Most snowmobiles that are well-maintained and cared for should go for 15,000 to 20,000 miles without the need for repairs and replacement.

Low miles is anything under 3,000 miles for a used sled. 4,000 to 8,000 miles is medium mileage and 8,000 miles and above is high mileage.

The type of riding combined with the mileage has a lot to do with the condition of a snowmobile.

Some sleds with higher mileage but used on light trails will have less wear than a medium mileage sled that was ridden hard in challenging conditions.

Ask the seller about the history of the machine to get an idea of how it was used.

3 – Inspect The Sled For Signs Of Wear Or Damage

If you do hard riding, pay attention to heavy-duty sleds that were subjected to hard use. Inspect the machine to look for signs of damage and wear.

It’s best to avoid sleds that have worn parts that will soon need replacement or repair. It can become expensive.

Take it for a test drive if allowed, to make sure that everything is in working order and that it starts easily, can idle, and has appropriate throttle response.

The steering should be in top condition, and the engine should respond with plenty of power when you open the throttle.

4 – Ask About The Maintenance History

The maintenance history affects the amount of wear and tear on a snowmobile, even more than mileage. Sleds without proper maintenance are not the best choice.

Proper lubrication of the chassis, keeping the engine filled with oil, occasional cleaning, and repair and replacement schedules of worn components when needed will enhance the longevity of a machine, even if the mileage is higher.

You can buy a low mileage machine that has been neglected, that will not be as mechanically sound as a higher mileage machine that’s received proper care and maintenance.

Ask for a maintenance record but check the machine out for yourself.

5 – Choose A Machine That Has Been Ridden

It’s better to buy a snowmobile that has been actively used instead of a sled that has sat in storage for years.

Stored snowmobiles can go bad in just a few years if they’re not taken out for a ride now and then and maintained.

The lubricants can dry up and the internal workings can be affected. Sitting can cause problems with the seals, the belts, the bearings, and the tracks unless they’re maintained even without use.

Helpful Tips To Know About The Best Used Snowmobile Under $5000

The best-used snowmobile under $5,000 will come with the power and features most suitable for your riding style and personal preferences.

The essential task is to buy a reliable sled in excellent condition to get the best value for the price.

• Compare the best brands and model years in the price range of your budget and narrow the list.

• Before you negotiate the price, inspect the sled for signs of wear, outstanding features, and overall mechanical condition. Assess its overall value before you dicker on the price.

• Don’t settle for anything that does not meet your expectations or riding needs. It’s better to keep looking than to buy a sled that is not the ideal size, power, and style for the best riding features.

• Negotiate a price that you believe is fair, based on research and comparison of similar machines. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal and keep looking.

Final Thoughts

Buying a used snowmobile for under $5,000 requires researching the established value of various sleds in your price range.

Compare the best brand names, models, and model years to find the most innovative technologies and convenient features.

The best deals can vary from one week to another when looking for a used sled.

Choose a machine that matches your skill level, body size/style, and power level for safe and enjoyable operation, then compare the prices across brands and models.

Narrow your list to the top three before you start to contact dealers or sellers.

Inspect the machines and ask about how it was used and the maintenance schedule to determine the amount of wear, mileage, and overall mechanical condition.

Negotiate a fair price on a quality used snowmobiles to get the best value for the cost.