Need input on which sled to buy.

[Selvar]

I'm looking at picking up two sled sometime soon (like this weekend) and am in need of some honest opinions. I have narrowed it down to pretty much 3 or 4 models

08 Arctic Cat M8
08 Arctic Cat M6
09/08 Ski-Doo Summit XP
09 Polaris Dragon 800

Pros and Cons of each sled? Budget is around $5000 per sled give or take a little. Thinking under 2000 miles, but I really don't know what should be average for a sled of that age? Any modifications I should be looking out for (more for the ones to stay away from), i've been avoiding the sleds that have rebuilt motors, to me that means they've had the piss ridin out of them.

These will be the first sleds I have owned myself, (although I have done a fair amount of riding, on friends sleds) so i'm looking for a good reliable sled, for trail/mountain riding.

 

[89sandman]

the dragons motor is not the greatest, to say the least.

xp is still carbed in those years, i wouldn't want to hassle with that. but are going to have the best ride.

the m's are solid performers, the 08's still had the mechanical diamond drive. i'd do the M...

 

[manlye]

m8 engine will go for 12,000 miles enuff said.

 

[AZ800]

If you're looking at a Dragon with a rebuilt engine that's a GOOD thing..........if you want one. Avg lifespan of the 2 that I've been around is less than 1000mi before BOOM!
I like REvs, but not how they handle in the powder/sidehilling.
M6, not enough snort to spin a longtrack, IMO, unless you stay within a half mile of sea level.
M8, only achilles heel is the Mechanical reverse DD, but IF it grenades it's less than $1000 to remedy it permanently and my 08 M1000 DD is still holding together (knock on wood) at 1500mi+, hoping for more.

 

[makaio]

M8. If you were buying new I might change my vote. But with the choices you gave thats the one I would pick.

As others have said the Dragon's motor is not the strong point of the sled. I like the Ski Doo motors, even carbed ( I have an 04 Summit), but I don't like the XP for my riding style and terrain. The handling on the M6 is great but I think you'll be left wanting more power within a short time.

 

[Selvar]

Picked up a 2008 M8 SnoPro yesterday. came with a SLP pipe, SLP intake, 3in bar riser. 1500miles talked him down to $5300 its ready to ride besides needing new Hyfax

 

[makaio]

Picked up a 2008 M8 SnoPro yesterday. came with a SLP pipe, SLP intake, 3in bar riser. 1500miles talked him down to $5300 its ready to ride besides needing new Hyfax

Awesome! You won't be sorry you went with the M8.

 

[AZ800]

Congrats. Put some ice scratchers on it before you even take it out. Won't have to do the hyfax again for a looong time and you won't overheat on hard pack.