Buying a used snowmobile should be awesome, but one of these four things could ruin the experience.
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Watch out for these warning signals if you're considering a used snowmobile, and don't say you weren't warned.
1. No paperwork
It shouldn't be too hard these days to keep track of the title and necessary paperwork on a snowmobile, especially with the advent of electronic documents.
This should serve as a good reminder, too: You should cover your snowmobile purchase with the right kind of insurance coverage, and keep the records in a safe place.
2. Lots of work done
Sure, a snowmobile that's been around for a few years is definitely going to pick up a few dings. Sometimes they give character, sometimes they're not noticeable, and sometimes they show proof of a bigger problem.
Make sure vulnerable areas around the engine aren't damaged or causing any problems, and question anything that looks like more than a typical bump. If it looks like a major collision happened based on the state of the body, look elsewhere.
The same goes for a fancy paint job on an older sled. Rust cover ups are one thing, trying to hide bigger problems is another.
3. Seller issues
It could seem like a dream deal: the snowmobile you've been looking for, priced right, and available immediately!
Only there's something a little sketchy with the seller. He doesn't immediately return calls, but then acts like he's ready to give you the keys as soon as you get a hold of him.
He's eager to sell, but says the sled is in a warehouse. The lighting is crummy, there's no one else around, and things start to feel a little odd.
There's no reason anyone should be so willing to part with a perfectly good snowmobile! Wake up and smell the coffee: This isn't the one you should be buying.
4. No option to test drive
If someone isn't going to let you take it for a spin, there's little point in taking the transaction much further.
You need to get an idea of how the thing handles, accelerates, stops, and runs over the course of a time period. A test drive can't last all day, but take it out for as long as you're allowed. Some hiccups only reveal themselves after time spent running the engine.
There aren't many things that should flat out stop you from considering a used snowmobile. They're fun, they're fast, and they're becoming more popular by the season.
Just watch out for these red flags, or you could be regretting it.
