My very first snowcheck advice

[tomx]

I got to admit, I've scoffed at snowchecking in the past. I just never quite saw the point. I'm more of a walk in with cash in hand, drive away with sled in truck kind of guy. When making purchases of this magnitude I've just never been akin to dropping down some dough and waiting six months to pick up the ride. In any event, that's all out the window, cause I'm planning on snowchecking in the next week or two..

So, give me the low down on snowchecking, what’s been your experience? Positive and Negative, did you snowcheck and feel like you got taken by fall? My primary question is: Is their much room to deal? Seems to me like dealers have extra motivation to move current units off their floor, but with snowchecking, seems like the incentive is gone cause clearly you are paying fo something they don't even have yet.

 

[Dartos]

My last 4 new sleds were all bought in February or March. The way I see it the snow check incentives usually don't outweigh the good late season prices. I looked at it last year and had one quote on a Cat that was $2,000 off list. My local Polaris was quoting about $600 off list on a PRO 800. I just bought a 2012 PRO RMK for $2,300 off list.

Obviously each manufacture has stuff you can only get on a spring order, I would like to have that 4 year warranty from Polaris.

I've often wondered if the dealer gets a bigger bonus if they snowcheck a bunch.

 

[Tree Boss]

My last snow check was my 12 Assault and here's why I feel like it benefited me. First was I get to choose the better suspension with the 5.1 track, for me it was a no brainer. Then there is the 4 year warranty and that is priceless when it comes to needing a new motor in the next 3 years. I figured I would own the sled for 3 years and then sell it with 1 year warranty left so that is an incentive for the buyer to feel comfortable about purchasing a sled that's 3 years old. If your planning on owning your sled for 2-3 years and get a 4 year warranty I think snow checking is the best option. I payed 11,200 for my Assault with 5.1 and 4 yr warranty, I don't see me saving any money if I was to walk in the dealership right now and buy a new sled. I may save $1500 off sticker price but add the track and the extra warranty and your ahead.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

I like the Late Season deals, you seem to get better prices. As for the Snowcheck options, that's a toss up. My last sled I bought was a late season but it had all of the Snow Check options. You just gotta look.

 

[Calvin42]

On a new Higher end sled, there is "about" a $1,500.00 profit built in the price. Every sled I've snowchecked (right around 8 so far) I have been able to get 7 to 8 hundred off retail and still get all the extra's they offer during snow check season. I still want my dealer to make a profit, otherwise he won't be around next season. But I also want to know I got a fair deal. I shop around and then walk in and say this is what I want and this is what I'll pay for it. I don't ask him to beat the best price I got, just match it. I also don't pay freight and setup. And I usually tell them I want an out the door price and I register it and pay tax myself.

 

[Pertzbro]

I'm in the same predicament. Snowcheck a 13' pro or buy a 12' pro for $9,500 w/ 300 miles. Not sure what would be the best with financing and warranty.

Does the 4 yr warranty cover the engine for all 4 years?

 

[tomx]

Thanks for feedback everyone, keep it coming. Warranty is a primary motivation for snowchecking for sure, especially since it’ll probably be four+ years till I can pick up my next next sled.

 

[hockeyb4]

The dealer is more important than price you want a dealer that will take good care of you and know their stuff especially with a 4 yr warranty as mentioned above.
If you are just looking based on price than keep that in mind when you need them to help you with warranty work and such.
just my .02

 

[gcmci]

I've often wondered if the dealer gets a bigger bonus if they snowcheck a bunch.

No we do not, we just know that x# of sleds are sold already
A customer can buy a hold over sled and purchase a 4 year warranty within a year and it would be close to the same price as snowchecking if they are getting a smoking deal on the hold over

 

[turbo800]

Depends alot on how you trust your dealer. I know a local dude snow checked two new sleds, paid cash upfront to be free and clear, only to be gouged for more money to pick up his sleds and with no chance of a refund. Most dealerships are alot better than this! I recommend getting an OTD price on your invoice and remaining balance shown.

To get the sled you want, for me an X model with a 163", you about have to snowcheck as a lot don't stock the 163" track length mostly the 154". There is usually a few people that drop out before the pickup date, so some are to be had that way.... but you do roll the dice.

It always made me mad that you put your money down 6 months ahead, yet our sleds were last off the line to be made. For some its been as late as Jan. to take delivery! I've heard they are changing this, now snowcheck sleds are "supposed" to be first made and sent out...