On a crisp, snow-filled winter day, can you think of anything more fun than riding a snowmobile? The engine throbs, the speed picks up, and you can enjoy one of the most exciting motorsports on the planet. Now imagine if that snowmobile was your own, and not a rental, and think of the fun you could have.

While snowmobile rentals are quick and easy, owning your own snowmobile has some great advantages. Below, we give our must-read guide on if you should rent or buy a snowmobile.

Snowmobile Rental Pros

Renting a snowmobile is perfect fun. It allows you to try out the vehicle and see if they are for you. This is a great option before you commit to a full purchase and spend your hard-earned cash on a vehicle you may not even enjoy driving.

With a rental, you do not have the hassle of maintaining the vehicle. You do not need to check the fluid levels, pay for a mechanical once over, or pay for insurances and licenses. All of this should be done and included when you decide to rent the snowmobile from a company.

In addition, you do not need to find somewhere to store the snowmobile. If you buy your own, you may not have room in your garage and may need to build an outhouse.

Snowmobile Rental Cons

The biggest rental cons are that it can get expensive if you really take up snowmobiling regularly. The fees will start to mount, and long term, it may be better for you to bite the bullet and buy your own snowmobile.

In addition, with rentals, you may not always get your choice of a snowmobile. If you find a make or model you like, it may be rented out when you come to borrow, or the dealership may not have one at all. Having your own mobile eliminates this problem.

Snowmobile Buying Pros

When buying a snowmobile, the biggest advantage is that you are in charge of that vehicle and its use. Very often, rental snowmobiles can take a beating as riders do not have ownership of the vehicle. You will know its limits, you will care for it, and essentially this will make it a safer, better-maintained snowmobile.

If you own a snowmobile, you can also take it out whenever you like. This can be very helpful, as snowmobiles can often be used in adverse weather conditions, not just recreation purposes. If you are renting, you may not have this option should bad weather arrive that cars and trucks can not traverse.

Finally, a snowmobile is also a cash asset. If you look after it and keep the mileage reasonable, there is no reason you can not sell it on. This may be to get some money fast or to upgrade to a newer model.

Snowmobile Buying Cons

The cons of buying a snowmobile are that you will have to keep it maintained. This starts with finding a place to keep it when out of season. If you do not have space, you may have to pay to build a shelter or small barn.

You will then have to pay maintenance costs, along with any licenses and fuel. If you are using the snowmobile regularly, this can soon mount up.

Snowmobile Safety

Unfortunately, a lot of accidents that occur on snowmobiles are through inexperience. As they are so sturdy, people tend to rent them and get carried away. This can result in injury to themselves and others around them.

If you are renting a snowmobile for the first time, it is a great way to get used to driving the vehicle. However, you must start carefully, slowly, and not get overconfident. Even if you know the geography of the area well, you could end up running into trouble.

Anyone who is starting out on a snowmobile should consider a snowmobile safety course. Classes are free and can be done online or in person. They will not take long, and you will learn a lot of useful information on the snowmobile, how it works, and how to handle it.

When driving, always take a first aid kit and a survival kit in case of accidents or breakdowns. Like driving any vehicle, you should never drive a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In some states, being found to do so can impact your license to drive a recreational vehicle and other vehicles, depending on the severity.

Basic Snowmobile Rules

When driving, snowmobile users always stick to the right-hand side. As many accidents occur on corners, it can pay to keep this in mind. Corners should also be taken at low speeds, easing off the throttle and applying as little braking as possible.

Snowmobiling does also not just require you to steer and hit the gas. You must move your body into the ride, leaning into turns and bends. This will give you more control over the vehicle and help you keep it on track.

Never release your hands from the bars. This includes the use of hand signals or to adjust clothing. A split-second loss of control can have disastrous consequences.

Where Do I Buy a Snowmobile?

When buying a snowmobile, you either have two options. You can buy through a dealership or look for private sales.

Dealerships tend to offer a little more security for your purchase, appealing if you have little experience and are buying second hand. It is very likely mobiles from a dealership have been serviced, checked over, and are in the best condition they can be to make them sell. They will also provide you with a warranty should you need one.

Private sales do offer the most scope for finding a bargain. You may also be able to determine the vehicle’s history better than if you would secure it from a dealership.

What Are My Snowmobile Choices?

There are a lot of snowmobiles and models. When you buy or rent, it helps to know what type of vehicle you are riding. If you are starting, you should ask the renter or dealership to help you decide.

The first factor you need to consider is where you will be using the snowmobile. Powdery, gentle trails will require a different vehicle to one that is going to drag itself over harsh, rocky mountain tracks. Will you be taking it gently or pushing the vehicle to its limits.

Where you will be taking it will impact the choice of track sled. Snowmobiles did previously only come in two-track sizes. These were 121 inch short tracks and 136-inch mountain tracks.

Snowmobiles now come in a wide range of sizes and on their tracks. Short tracks allow for better turning and are great for dodging around on tight trails. Long tracks give more surface area and allow snowmobiles to work better in deeper, soft snow that you may get in high altitude and mountainous regions.

Your experience level will also play a part in the type of sled you are riding. Some will be better and more suited for beginners, while others may be more fun for those who have experience. Generally, bigger, powerful sleds should be kept for experienced riders.

Engine sizes are a choice of two and four-stroke. Two-stroke engines tend to be lighter and lower in cost. Four-stroke engines last longer and have a bit more power.

Tips for Buying a Snowmobile New

Firstly, you need to set a budget when shopping for a snowmobile. Many dealerships offer to finance, so if you go this way, be sure you can afford the repayments. You should also factor in any maintenance costs, licenses, and money for aftermarket products you may require.

After this, your search should begin at local dealerships. Ask around and check online reviews. A good, trustworthy dealer will be worth their weight in gold, and you should return to them for many years to come.

When you visit the dealership, you may come across holdover sleds. These are sleds that have not sold in past years due to low snow seasons. You can get some absolute bargains, so do not overlook them for the newest model.

If you are buying out of season, you can get even more great deals. This is when dealerships put on their offers for the next season. You may get lower prices, rebates, special editions, added accessories, or better finance options.

People who are just starting to try to fight the urge to buy the most powerful snowmobile you can. A smaller stroke and engine size will keep you within budget and help you get to grips with the basics of snowmobile riding. You can always trade it in later for a more powerful model.

Always remember to shop around. There are hundreds of models available at hundreds of dealerships. One of these will be the perfect fit for you, so take your time.

Visit some of the snowmobile shows around the country. You can often see new models here, and get some valuable information. Even if you do not make a purchase, it may help you better understand what you want.

When buying the snowmobile, always opt for the warranty. This is often very little compared to what the cost of repairs will be. Ask the salesperson for their opinions, and see what you can get them through as a gift.

Buying a Used Snowmobile

When buying a used snowmobile, it helps to have some experience and know what you are looking for before starting. Start by setting a budget and sticking to it. Impulse buys often result in bad deals as well as light wallets.

If you go to a dealership or salesman and have been recommended by someone, let them know. This means they will be more likely to offer lower prices and be less likely to sell you something on its last legs.

Once you have a budget, do some research. Think of snowmobile models and brands you had used before and liked. Get some reviews online, and price up the average second-hand model.

Don’t be afraid to haggle over the price. You will often find people are more than willing to come down on costs. If you have had a few years of low snow, you can be sure to find some bargains if you shop around.

Once you find something, you like the look and price of, try it out. Start it up and take it for a run. If anything looks worn out, asked about it, and if the sled looks like it has taken some punishment, then it probably has.

Key places to check are the skis, engine, belts, clutches, suspension, and wheels. Ask the seller who previously owned it and where. Some locations will have been much harder on the sled than others, as will some owners.

Check the mileage on the odometer, and make sure it matches the advertisement. You will also be able to gauge the cost by the mileage done. Finally, get a compression test on the cylinders to see how much life is left in the engine and how worn down it is.

When buying, even with a second-hand snowmobile, get a warranty for at least one season. This will be tough if you are not buying from a dealership, but you should push for some guarantee. Any problems will occur pretty quickly, so it pays to have one for at least this time.

Wear the Right Clothing

Once you buy a snowmobile, make sure to get kitted out in the right clothing. You need protecting, but you also need added warmth. Once you are ready, hit the trails and start your snowmobile adventure!

If you are looking for a snowmobile, then make Westshore Marine and Leisure your first stop. We provide an enjoyable experience from sales to service, in a whole range of boat and power sport vehicles. Click here to see our range of snowmobiles, and you could be driving away with your own machine today!