Hi all, this is my first post so hopefully I chose the right spot, I’m looking for a reliable sled that I can afford. I work at a local Polaris dealer so something of theirs would be preferred because I can get a discount on parts I may need. However I don’t have a lot of money. Ideally I’d like one that has electric start and reverse, but I know those are sometimes rarer and thus cost more. A couple of my coworkers are adamantly opposed to me getting a trailing arm sled for up here in Montana because I’ll get stuck a lot, has anybody else had that issue? realistically its all I can afford right now if I want to start riding this season. I’m just kinda looking around, I do have some experience working on engines like these so a little bit of work is nothing I would shy away from, I can probably go up to $2000 but that’s about it at the moment, I’m saving up so as I get paid more I’ll have a little more to spend. Anything cheap but in good shape would be awesome, and if there’s a price point that I should reach before looking into getting something like this, Let me know, thanks everyone!
In search of affordable sled
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20,103 Posts
I would save another $1000 and find a nice IQ RMK 600 155" and be happy 
There is a LOT of difference between the trailing arm sleds and the IQ chassis. Riding position is higher on the IQ, which makes the transition from sitting to standing a lot less of an effort. For the mountains, you will be up and down all day, so that is a ton of up and down. I remember riding my Edge 800 one day, we spent about 5 hours in some really fun terrain. When we got back to the truck, I could hardly lift my leg to get in! The ability to get the sled on it's edge is way easier on the IQ as well.
The 600HO engine (efi version) has almost as much HP as the Gen II 700s had in a sled that is lighter and way easier to ride. If you can find a 700 IQ, those are more hp than the Gen II 800's had. I would avoid the 05-06 900 and the 06 700. The laid down big block engine used in those years was a huge mistake for Polaris. There is little to no support for those sleds with those engines. And the first bunch of years of the small block 800 were filled with problems, as well. Avoid, avoid, avoid!
Good luck in the search, and welcome to the forum!
There is a LOT of difference between the trailing arm sleds and the IQ chassis. Riding position is higher on the IQ, which makes the transition from sitting to standing a lot less of an effort. For the mountains, you will be up and down all day, so that is a ton of up and down. I remember riding my Edge 800 one day, we spent about 5 hours in some really fun terrain. When we got back to the truck, I could hardly lift my leg to get in! The ability to get the sled on it's edge is way easier on the IQ as well. The 600HO engine (efi version) has almost as much HP as the Gen II 700s had in a sled that is lighter and way easier to ride. If you can find a 700 IQ, those are more hp than the Gen II 800's had. I would avoid the 05-06 900 and the 06 700. The laid down big block engine used in those years was a huge mistake for Polaris. There is little to no support for those sleds with those engines. And the first bunch of years of the small block 800 were filled with problems, as well. Avoid, avoid, avoid!
Good luck in the search, and welcome to the forum!
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2 Posts
I’ll definitely try and save some more, it seems like that will be the better option. I have been warned heavily against buying a dragon but if I can find one that has the fix for the issues they’re notorious for it might not be a bad start, I’ve been recommended to get an 800 because I’ll end up growing out of a smaller one too fast and it’ll be powerful enough to keep me from getting stuck, I’ll definitely keep my eyes open, thanks!
Stay away from the 800 up till 2014 or so. They had issues to say the least. Every Polaris dealer I know recommends staying away from them including a couple up here saying up till 2015 for the 800. Get a 700 as he said with the right clutching and reeds you won't notice a difference and be perfectly fine.
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421 Posts
The best old Polaris sled you can buy for $2k is a trailing arm 600cc. That's about it. I wouldn't buy any 800 till 2015 at least IMO.
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421 Posts
Yeah, forgot the 700cc's. They just weren't as popular at the time.
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367 Posts
I miss my 800XCSP.
There are a couple cats that just got listed today.
There are a couple cats that just got listed today.
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