Is it possible to get a reliable ride for under $1000?

[dentedvw]

I don't want to break new trails, climb steep faces or ride wheelies uphill, or at all. I just want to get me, my wife and daughter out on some trails and roads this winter, maybe strap some boards and skis on and use it as the get in/get out vehicle.
Is it possible, or am I crazy?
Should I save up longer?
The motivating factor is that we live in Bountiful, and Skyline road is only a few minutes from home. It would be nice if sometimes we could hop on a sled, ride up skyline and skin up some hills and be back home having enjoyed some untracked lines without spending half a day skinning in worrying we are going to get run over by a sled or quad on the road.
I don't get to go out and tour as much as I would like, but this would be a way for us to do it more often, at least that's how it seems in my mind.
I don't want to rent a sled, because it would cost a lot and take a lot of extra time. The key is getting out and back without a lot of fuss.
Am I off my rocker?

Backstory: my neighbor has a sled on a trailer he hasn't used in years, and we talked about getting it going and sharing it's use this winter, but things have happened between us and I am not willing to pay to have it fixed up and risk him saying we can't use it. He has become unreliable. I will let it rot in his driveway first. :fitz:

[REDFOX]

I would check ksl classifieds for pricing. My opinion is that a snomobile is the least reliable motorized machine made. They constantly foul plugs, go through belts and they seem finicky in the cold. Most of the guys that I know have the newer fuel injected models and they also have them proffesionaly serviced regularly.

[oldno7]

If your talking 70's and 80's sleds, you'd be correct on their not being reliable.

From the late 90's on--very reliable(if left stock)

You should be able to find a late 90's sled in your range.

[oldno7]

also--the best choice(late 90's) would be Polaris and Ski-Doo...Hands down!!

[oldno7]

And stick with twins--tripples are more trouble.

RMK or Summit

[oldno7]

These were good sleds:

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=22989460&cat=146&lpid=&search=

[oldno7]

Nuther:

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=22983627&cat=146&lpid=2&search=

[moab mark]

Sledding by yourself is usually not recommended but if you stay above bountiful you will always have cell service which is a big bonus. Cam you get from your house to the parking lot without a trailer? Also not wanting to rain on your parade but the bountiful road is never groomed and riding double with skis up there would kind of rough.

[moab mark]

If you are still looking I have a 93 Polaris 500 in excellent shape for around 1500. Not sure I want to sell but might.

[2065toyota]

I've owned sleds my whole life and they will force you to become a mechanic. Especially going older you need to know at a minimum how to adjust carbs, change the belts and clutch parts and how to use bailing wire and duct tape

[moab mark]

No truer statement.

[oldno7]

I've owned sleds my whole life and they will force you to become a mechanic. Especially going older you need to know at a minimum how to adjust carbs, change the belts and clutch parts and how to use bailing wire and duct tape

We need to do a Southern Ride, let me know when your available.

[oldno7]

p.s. I'm available to ride from Wed. thru Fri.

I know Brianhead area and Mountains above Beaver--VERY well.

[2065toyota]

Sounds good. Went stayed in Brian head last weekend and the snow is, well what snow. We rode over to midway and up to the towers. Maybe 3' but had to be real careful. Few more storms will be good. I know most all if cedar mtn and beaver. Prob been there 200 times. Lots of cool hidden areas to go. When we get some more I will look you up

[oldno7]

Sounds good. Went stayed in Brian head last weekend and the snow is, well what snow. We rode over to midway and up to the towers. Maybe 3' but had to be real careful. Few more storms will be good. I know most all if cedar mtn and beaver. Prob been there 200 times. Lots of cool hidden areas to go. When we get some more I will look you up

Lets do it....

[2065toyota]

First ride of the year. One sled stuck when my brother hit a log

62258

62259

62260

[oldno7]

Looks a little thin around midway.

Snotel says another 9" there and I think 12" at BH.