Beginner Snowmobile Buying Guide
Getting your first snowmobile is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many models and features on the market. Where do you even begin?
We've created the following guide full of tips to help first-time buyers find the perfect model. When you are ready to explore snowmobiles for sale, head over to Nielsen Enterprises. Conveniently located in Lake Villa, Illinois, we are proud to be your local snowmobile dealer. We also serve those in Chicago, as well as those coming from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
1. Make a Budget
Before you look at snowmobiles for sale, you will want to set a budget. This helps you eliminate models that are beyond your price point from your search before you fall in love with them. If you want to make your budget go farther, look into used models. Thanks to depreciation, they will come at a much lower price than the new counterparts.
Many new riders will buy a beginner snowmobile with the intention of selling it in a few years and upgrading to a higher power model once their skills develop more. If that's your approach, you won't need a massive budget for your starter model. Just don't forget to account for the other costs of riding such as safety gear, snowmobile accessories, travel expenses, club memberships, and so on.
2. Consider Your Limits
There are plenty of high powered, high performing snowmobiles on the market. Don't get one of these just yet. Beginners don't have the skills or experience needed to wrangle the higher performing models. Stick to beginner models that you can more easily control. These ones will offer easy handling features and be lighter in weight, making it easy for new riders to stay in control.
3. Listen to the Experts
When you first buy a snowmobile, it's tough to know which brands are considered high-quality and which ones are not highly regarded. Seek out the opinions of those who know more about the snowmobiles. American Snowmobiler magazine, for example, offers buyer's guides that are unbiased. You can also seek out customer reviews to see what current owners think about the models they purchased. Maybe the models continually break down and give them issues. Maybe the owners love the models and would highly recommend them. Use current owners’ experiences to inform your search.
4. Consider a General Purpose Snowmobile
We recommend that first time buyers look for general purpose snowmobiles. After all, it is hard buying a model for a lifestyle that you haven't lived yet. It's common for newbies to pass on features they later want or to pay extra for features they never use. Will you really go on all those long-distance rides and need to pay for better fuel efficiency? Will you really use your snowmobile for property maintenance and need to splurge for higher towing potential? It's tough to know!
With a general-purpose model, you will be able to have enough variety to handle many different types of riding experiences. Once your skills improve and you get a sense of what features matter most to you, then you can upgrade to a more specific model.
Ready to shop for snowmobiles for sale? Check out the selection at Nielsen Enterprises. Our friendly staff is happy to chat with you and help you find the best model for your budget and lifestyle, so stop by and visit today! We are a snowmobile dealer located in Lake Villa, Illinois. We also serve those in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois.