Help choosing first used sled. - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Desertflier · 01-21-2013, 07:20 PM

Hi all!
I am new to this forum and snowmobiling.
I'm hoping to get some input on buying my first good used sled.
I plan on riding it mostly on flat trails and fire roads.
Something with good parts availability.
Looking at $1,500.00 or so price range.
So far I have found these:
97 Ski Doo MXZ 583
97 Ski Doo Summit X
2000 Ski Doo MXZ 700

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

**RJ Gleason** · 01-22-2013, 07:56 AM

The 583 engine is one of their best, but the 2000 will have a better ride and the 700 is no slouch either.

Snowweasel · 01-22-2013, 08:16 AM

Go summit

Sent from my iPod touch using Snowmobile

davidnnoah · 01-22-2013, 09:42 AM

If you're really just a trail rider, the MXZ is the way to go. I like the 2000 and 2001 MXZs as far as older sleds go. That 97 is getting thin on replacement parts. You'll like the ZX chassis over the S as well.
If you think you're going to hit the hills however, you're gonna' want to look at a Summit with a 144" track. The 97s had a 136 I think. And I don't think there was a Summit X in 97...98 maybe. Good luck.

DanM675 · 01-23-2013, 07:05 PM

Yeah there wasn't a summit X in 97 or in 98 there was only 670, 583, and 500, and the 136" track will do just fine in deep snow. But all of those sleds sound good.

Rczr600rider · 01-23-2013, 07:36 PM

Out of those I would pick the MXZ for its superior ride and handling over the older chassis. Personally I'm an Arctic Cat guy, so I'd be looking at ZR's, ZL,s or maybe an F7.

davidnnoah · 01-23-2013, 07:55 PM

Yeah, 98 had an X 670 but for 15 bills the century MXZ is the better deal and will keep up with nearly anything on the trails. Happy riding OP.

DanM675 · 01-24-2013, 10:17 AM

That was 99 that had a summit X 670, they had exactly the same models in 98 as they had in 97, for the summit line at least. But I would definately go with Ski-Doo.

davidnnoah · 01-24-2013, 01:15 PM

Hmmm. Anyway, if I wanted parts for that 98 Summit X I might go here: ST. BONI MOTOR SPORTS' 1998 Ski Doo SUMMIT X 670 Parts Finder

And if I wanted to talk to an owner I might try one of these guys: 98 670 summit x and 99 670 summit x,...is there a difference? - MXZ / Legend / Summit / Grand Touring / Formula / etc. - DOOTalk Forums

If I needed a model number, this chart might be helpful:
Ski-Doo Model Reference

Seems there may have been a temperature control issue under the hood on the 98X which was addressed in Ski Doo Competition Bulletin 98-1

Some say there were 2 years for the 670 HO...98 and 99. The Summit X was the only Doo to get in 98. That might just be idle chatter though. Cheers.

Josh Kidner · 01-24-2013, 04:59 PM

It seems you are only looking at ski-doos? Thatis totally fine, but being new to sledding, itis too early for brand loyalty! Anyway i like polaris sleds, i would look at 98-2002 xc600-700. Those will likely be in your price range. Out of the skidoos(98-2002) i do love mxz. My neibor has an 01 mxz700 and it rips! Great suspension too. Arctic cats arnt bad, yamaha prob. Rates at the bottom for me

DanM675 · 01-26-2013, 02:51 PM

here davidnnoah this is whir all Ski-Doo previous models are. check out 99 98 and 97. Ski-Doo older Snowmobile models | Ski-Doo USA

davidnnoah · 01-27-2013, 08:31 AM

Almost all models. It doesn't include late release sleds. That's why there was a suppliment to the 98 owners manual for the X as I understand it. Happy to send it to you. Cheers.

DanM675 · 01-27-2013, 10:14 AM

Well I don't won't to get a argument started

So are you saying OEM sleds but are manufactured by Ski-Doo?

davidnnoah · 01-27-2013, 01:45 PM

Not at all. It's a good topic and I've seen it kicked around in the past. I'll start a new thread. We've hijacked this one enough.

DanM675 · 01-27-2013, 02:36 PM

Haha yeah