What to buy? 09 or 11 Summit X

[feeze]

My boys and I have been riding Yammies for many years. Had a supercharged Phazer for the youngest (13) and a Nytro for the oldest(16). Phazer was a blast when it ran, but ate super belts and finally blew up on too much boost and low elevation (that was me ) Nytro was too much weight.

Having said all that….. it made us better riders to keep up with all our buddies on the Doo's….lol

Now the boys are 15 & 18.

Last spring I came across a great deal on a 12 Summit X 800 Etec 154 and bought it. Nytro replaced!

Now I have a line on a 09 Summit X 800R 154 or a 11 Summit X 800 Etec 154 to replace the Phazer.

Both with under 2000k, but the price difference is $3000.

I went to 4 stroke a few years back just because I was tired of adding oil and changing plugs.

My long term is to keep the sled for another 3 years, then upgrade from there.

Am I better to spend the $3000 now, understanding that the 09 will use more fuel, oil, plugs etc in the next 3 years?

btw…… I'm still driving my 10 Nytro 162 and love it, just need some more HP. If Yammie doesn't come out with something great for 2015, I'm snow checking an XM!

 

[snowmobiler]

if you buy the 11 both kids will have the same sled and they wont argue.maybe

 

[07SummitX800R]

Get the '11. If I had $3000 extra to spend that's what I would have done.

 

[H20SKE]

If the 3000 is not a issue---the 11, no question.

After you get it take it to the dealer and make sure all the updates were done--like the rings.

 

[snowx99]

Not sure how many miles you put on, but for me, I've never tried to justify toy purchases or usage based on fuel mileage and maintenance. It's just a given and comes with the territory- put it in when it needs it.

Point being that your $$$$ investment in the '09 vs. '11 really boils down to the actual technology on each sled you are paying for up front. Since you already have a newer XP, that sets the bar in terms of expected overall performance, handling, etc. Now that doesn't necessarily mean you ~have~ to make them equal, but if you don't, is living with the differences ok having those extra $$$ in your pocket?

I'll assume both sleds are stock, and after buying the '09 you're likely to spend some $$$ going with a narrow front suspension (aftermarket or used OEM parts), rear shock rebuild/revalve, and maybe some minor clutching or engine tweaks to fine tune the power output. Even doing the work yourself, you're very likely to invest $1500 of that initial $3000 price savings in parts & time out of your life to bring the '09 up to near '11 spec- and even then, it won't be quite apples to apples.

Then couple years down the road when you go to sell the '09, you're thinking you've got 'X' dollars invested (purchase price plus mods) and the current used market is actually 20% less than you'd hope to sell yours for. So now that other $1500 savings up front totally disappeared.

Bottom line, if you can keep it 'as-is', the '09 is still a solid sled and probably a great value too. But if you plan to upgrade it to near '11 spec, I'd say start with the '11 up front and in the end it will all even out.

 

[feeze]

Thanks for all your feedback. I picked up the 11!

Looking forward to our first ride. Now all we need is some snow!