Opinion from Cat guys

[BeeDoo]

Looking to buy a sled as a back-up, and to be used by friends/brothers/others to ride when they don't have a sled. I don't want to spend too much, but I've found 3 sleds all in about the same price range, all with about 2000-3000 miles.

Looking for something relatively easy to ride that won't get stuck all the time (I know, I know, it depends on the rider.) Also don't want to do too much work all the time -- tough I know I'm getting a 10 year old sled or more, so it comes with the territory.

99 Powder Special 700 with 144x2
95 Thundercat 900, SPI Pipes and can 144x2
01 Mountain Cat 800 144x2

Pros/Cons anyone?

Thanks in advance.

 

[turboless terry]

Out of the three you have there I would go with the 800. The 700 was a crank eater and clutch eater. The thunder cats are extremely heavy and in deep snow I've seen a good running 670 summit beat them all day on the hill. When spring time came around it was a different story. The 700 powder specials had a real boxy tunnel that would drag in the snow and hinder performance. I can't remember when they changed that. The 700's were really heavy motors for a twin. Get the 01 800 if that is your only choices.

 

[PowderCrew]

X2 on the above... he hit it all right on the head. Buy the 800... dont look back and dont even think twice...

 

[BeeDoo]

I've actually seen a 670 Summit in my area as well. And it was in good shape. Would that be in the ballpark?

 

[turboless terry]

They were a great sled in their day. way lighter than anything else on your list. If you stick them on a hill you just as well kick them to the bottom to get them started. If you parked them down hill you might have to level them out. Skidoo aerobics. Sometimes they just needed primed, to get them started, but you didn't dare until you checked the plugs to see if they were wet. I can roll my m over and it starts back up. Don't miss those days. If you added it to the list it would be between the 670 and the 01 800.

 

[Idcatman3]

IMO, the '01 800 is hands down the best option on your list. My dad and I rode T-cats in the mountains, but we rode the lighter AWS V chassis ('99+) and even we jumped to the 800 twin when it came out. It's that much better off-trail.

An '02 would be better, they changed some little quality of life stuff, but nothing huge. In '03, they changed the chassis, and it requires a little more attention, but is significantly lighter.

I wouldn't put a 670 Summit anywhere near an 800 Cat on a list, but I'm a biased Cat guy.

 

[Desperado]

I believe that 01 800 came as both efi and carbed, if I had the choice go with efi. As for your 3 options it's the best choice. Another option is a 97 700 rmk, they were pretty good runners in their day, we still have one on the ranch that pulls the kids around in the snow.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

hold off for a little bit, how much??? Thats the big factor. The 01 800 mntcat had a recall on the pistons you need to make sure it has been done, mine failed at 2000 miles and also needed a new clutch by then. Tell me how much you want to spend and I will tell you what you can or should get. The 800 is a good sled but needs a few things first, the 02-03 800 ski doos are good also as well as the polaris edges and can all be bought pretty darn cheap. I know where there is a 03 summit zx chassis for $1350 doesnt look perfect but runs like a rapped ape.

 

[BeeDoo]

hold off for a little bit, how much??? Thats the big factor. The 01 800 mntcat had a recall on the pistons you need to make sure it has been done, mine failed at 2000 miles and also needed a new clutch by then. Tell me how much you want to spend and I will tell you what you can or should get. The 800 is a good sled but needs a few things first, the 02-03 800 ski doos are good also as well as the polaris edges and can all be bought pretty darn cheap. I know where there is a 03 summit zx chassis for $1350 doesnt look perfect but runs like a rapped ape.

Like to be 1500 or less. 03 Summit sounds enticing. Send me some info. if you have some.

 

[Idcatman1]

I believe that 01 800 came as both efi and carbed, if I had the choice go with efi. As for your 3 options it's the best choice. Another option is a 97 700 rmk, they were pretty good runners in their day, we still have one on the ranch that pulls the kids around in the snow.

The EFI didn't happen until 2002. They are great until you have a problem, then get out your checkbook and the vaseline.