how to buy used

AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com

First Impressions
The first thing to consider is the appearance. It doesn't tell all, but it's a good starting point. "Outward appearance will tell you something about the rest of the sled," says E.A. "Bud" Knapp, member of the Antique Snowmobile Club of America. "If it's beaten up and scratched on the outside it's probably not very good on the inside."

Jeff Palmer, a salesperson at Tousley Sports Center in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, says rust on the suspension is an indication that the sled was not well maintained. Russ Running, owner of Running's Yamaha in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, suggests first looking at the condition of the body panels, skis and track. Paul Wheeler, service technician at Greene's Power Equipment in Wilmington, Vermont, looks for a clean engine. "If it looks pretty clean it usually is in pretty good shape, but looks can be deceiving," he says. "A sled can be in good shape and not look as well." A quick look-see often isn't good enough.