Thoughts on potential trade... All advice appreciated

[Adirondack Man]

OK.....  Some of you may know that I have an '04 Kawasaki V Force in fantastic shape.  The reality is that I have not ridden it very much since picking it up last winter.    I have been trying to sell it, but had little luck.  The KBB on it is $3250.  I am going to look at a couple of snowmobiles, on Sunday, that someone wants to trade for the V Force.  They are a '91 Polaris Indy 440 and a 2001 Ski Doo 700 MX-Z. 

I am interested in the trade as the main secondary snowmobile trail, for Clinton County, cuts right through the center of my property.  I can literally ride right from my house for miles on the snowmobile trails.  So....  what do you think?  Is it a fair trade?  I have never owned a snowmobile before and am not sure.  Any advice is appreciated.  Here is a link to the sleds, on Craigs list...
http://plattsburgh.craigslist.org/rvs/1371231577.html

I have attached a photo of the Skidoo that the owner sent to me.

[Oscar Meier]

Something to look for with the Polaris 440.  I had an Indy 500 from that same year and the main structural defect with it was the track rails are not as hefty as the later models.  I had to replace them twice for cracks in the alum.    You will know on the trail because you will start to lose guide boogies.   It can get pretty costly.  That 440 motor can definitely out last the chassis.  Like my 500 did.  The ski-doo looks to be in great condition and the friends that have owned that model (MX-Z) have told me that they wished they never got rid of it.

[JoeR]

I think I'd hold out for a trade on a single sled that was newer.  The Polaris would  make a good sled for the kids to cruise around in the yard, but I don't think I'd want to take that too far on the trails.  So, while it is a decent deal at $800.00, it's a good price on something that you don't need....and that's not a deal. 
The Ski-Doos with that style chassis are work horses, but the newer style REV chassis is WAY better. 
You would probably be better off blowing out your Kawi for a fantastic price (for the buyer) and finding a great deal on a REV.

Joe

[Adirondack Man]

The thing is that I actually want two sleds.  One for my girlfriend, and kids, to ride, and one for me.  That is why I have been contemplating this deal. 

[CatsJ35]

I think you could be able to get some cash thrown in Jack. The Polaris $ is about right but there are a few 700 ZX sleds around here going for 1200-1500. I am a ski-doo man but was never a huge fan of the 700 twins reliability, while there were some good ones I think there was twice as many bad ones. I've rebuilt a few of them and never had any luck finding used cylinders for it due to the # of them that have blown up. Too bad I didn't have another sled besides my 670HO that I'd be willing to let go...it'd be nice to add a V-force to the fleet.

[rapidrobert]

I would not go any older than 1997, 97 was the year that all of the manufactures came out with there longer travel suspension and there new designs,.
I agree that the 700 ski-doo engine has a weak motor and I have been personal witness to one popping its cookies 50 miles from home.
I would keep looking if I were you.
Rule of thumb with sleds the newer the better, low miles mean allot and has it been stored inside, not in the front yard all summer and mowed around like a lawn ornament. Rapidrobert...

[rapidrobert]

Have you posted your 4 wheeler in the ATV for sale section . I would try to sell it out-rite and then you can buy the sleds that you want not the ones that people only want to trade a ATV for. Rapidrobert...

[Adirondack Man]

I have posted it.  No luck.  I think that people are more interested in 4x4 atvs right now.  Especially with hunting season and winter coming up.

[dirtdame]

I'm guessing you've tried Craigslist?  I agree with you about the 4 x 4 and hunting part, but also the market is flooded with machines right now.  You'd probably get a better deal on a sled if you had cold cash in your hand.

Have you looked into ebay?

[Adirondack Man]

Well.... I am going to look at the sleds tomorrow morning, but after reading everyone's responses, I am thinking that it would not be a favorable trade for me, unless they are in extremely good condition.  In the meantime, I have another person interested in trading for an '05 Polaris Sportsman 400 with only 1600 miles on it.  I may go that route and just go out and buy myself a second hand sled.  I will know better after seeing the sleds tomorrow.

[rapidrobert]

You would be able to sell the 4x4 wheeler if you traded. Tis the season for 4x4 atv's.
Good luck. Rapidrobert...

[Adirondack Man]

Rapid,

I agree.  I looked at the sleds this morning.  Definitely no trade.  They have been kept outdoors.  Polaris has duck tape on the seats, and track is extremely worn.  Skidoo had a cracked cowling, cracked windshield, left front trailing arm had been broken in the past and is welded together.  Track was not in great condition with several studs ripped right out of it.  I did buy his wood stove though. 

Looks like I am going to try to work out a trade for the Sportsman 400.

[Adirondack Man]

Well, it looks like I am making the trade for the '05 Sportsman 400.  It has new mudlites and a new EPI Severe Duty belt.  Speedo is on the blink though.  Here it is.....  Just have to drive down to Albany to make the swap.  Probably weekend after this one.