How Much Does a Snowmobile Cost? 2023 Price Components

This winter, you should buy a snowmobile. This vehicle is effective for traveling on icy terrains and provides tons of fun and exercise!

However, check our update on the 2023 snowmobile price and cost before you jump into any purchase.

Get your ball rolling now!

How Much Is A Snowmobile?

A snowmobile is such an investment. The cheapest models we have known or tested are around $3,000 to $3,500 for kids.

However, this article mostly focuses on adult snowmobiles, spanning from $6,000 to $16,000; no reliable sleds are under $6000. The high-end snowmobiles can be as expensive as $16,000-$25,000.

It is also possible to break down the average cost of snowmobiles by type and brand for further consideration.

Prices By Snowmobile Type

We classify snowmobiles into four categories: mountain, crossover, touring, and used snowmobiles.

  • Mountain snowmobiles: around $ 15,000 and less
  • Crossover snowmobiles: more than $15,000
  • Touring snowmobiles: from $10,000 to $16,000
  • Used snowmobiles: from $2,000 to $10,000

Although used snowmobiles are the most affordable, they often come with tears and wear, outdated technologies, expired warranties, etc. It would be best if you were extra careful and did more market research.

Next, mountain and touring snowmobiles are both under $16,000. Those snowmobiles are unnecessarily powerful, but they are sizable and with many amenities. Mountain models are designed to float across fresh snow and deal with higher altitudes; thus, they have robust horsepower and maneuverable long skis. Touring models are for leisure and comfort over long courses, though.

Crossover snowmobiles are in between in terms of prices and features. They can go over powdery snow like the mountain buddies or established trails like the touring ones.

Prices By Brand

Hundreds of snowmobiles are available, and you might not know where to buy them. Then, we suggest going to branded models as a shortcut to snowmobiles of good quality and with supportive policies.

The prices are slightly higher than the average snowmobile prices above. Here are the Big 4 in the current market:

  • Ski-Doo: from $6,399 to $16,199
  • Arctic Cat: from $8,699 to $20,699
  • Polaris: from $7,399 to $16,299
  • Yamaha: from $8,999 to $19,999

Still, if you have more time scanning, you can find other reliable snowmobile brands.

Factors Affecting The Price of Snowmobiles

Factors Affecting The Price of Snowmobiles

The next section will help you thoroughly understand snowmobiles’ price components.

Engine Sizes/Types

The first factor setting one snowmobile apart from another is the engine sizes (also known as types): 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines.

4-stroke engines are common in mountain or crossover models because they can last longer to create higher pounds of boost over climbs or rough terrains. Meanwhile, 2-stroke engines are quiet and smooth enough for touring snowmobiles.

Since 4-stroke construction is more complex with more parts, it adds extra bucks to the final price of mountain and crossover sleds as above.

Take the Yamaha Transporter Lite 2-stroke touring snowmobile model and 4-stroke Mountain Max 800 LE SL 154, for instance. One starts at $9,499, and the latter is from $14,899.

Overall Materials and Finished Parts

Now, let’s compare two snowmobiles with the same engine type. The next factor affecting the final cost is the materials and construction.

Plastic, metal, and rubber are commonly used for a snowmobile’s parts, such as skis, tracks, coverage, etc.

  • Plastics are cheap yet fragile.
  • Metals are robust while being heavy to maneuver around. They come with higher price tags, of course.
  • Rubber is the most expensive material since it is durable, lightweight, and low-friction.

Speaking of the construction, we mean how sturdily and sleekly parts are attached, referring to the weight capacity and dimensions. And if you don’t want to ask the dealer about the price, a quick look-up in the product description can give you a rough idea about the  bike’s materials, which contribute to its value.

Accessories

Check whether your selected snowmobile has accessories such as a charging pod, handguards, warming pads, a two-up seat, etc. If yes, they are definitely worth an extra spend.

It is a common mistake for beginners to choose a model with no accessories to save some bucks. Then, they buy them separately later as all accessories are necessary for winter.

By purchasing a snowmobile with accessories, you can rest assured about the compatibility and discounts for bulk.

Warranty Policies

Although the warranty is free, snowmobile insurance costs are baked into the machine’s price. Snowmobile dealers who offer a longer warranty period charge you more.

Yamaha guarantees your deals for up to three years – it makes sense why Yamaha snowmobiles are more pricey. Meanwhile, both Ski-Doo and Polaris have a one-year warranty policy. They have quite similar price ranges, from $6,399 to $16,199 and $7,399 to $16,299.

Models and Model Years

Manufacturers frequently upgrade their snowmobiles to meet customers’ demands. However, new versions are more expensive.

Yamaha has two versions for SX VENOM models. The 2023 model is $8,999, and the 2022 one is $8,199.

Used or Brand-new Snowmobiles

As we discussed in the first place, used snowmobiles are more affordable than completely new beasts due to defective construction or outdated technologies. But if you know how to research, good deals are flooding!

How to Buy Cheap Snowmobiles?

If you use snowmobiles frequently, you should avoid breaking the bank and, thus, be looking for cheap deals instead. Here are some tips for cutting down on snowmobile prices.

Test before buying.

If you are still deciding what machine to use, asking for a test ride doesn’t hurt. Just tell the seller to let you take a short ride and feel it. 

Buy a used machine from $2,000 to $10,000.

Take notes of what to look for when buying a used snowmobile: the history of the sled, external conditions, an easy start and quiet running during a test ride, etc.

Choose an old version.

Versions of a snowmobile lineup are usually pretty similar. Thus, you can buy an old model to save money – for instance, 2022 vs. 2023. It is completely new, yet only with some of the updated technologies.

Pre-order in spring.

Many snowmobile manufacturers have Spring Sale-off campaigns through March. 

Grab your chance! Not only can you get cheaper deals in spring, but you can also get models with full features for the whole year long.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Snowmobile?

If you are new to this vehicle and don’t know if it fits you, you can rent one and test the water first. The rental fee is up to $100 per hour and around $250-$450 for a full-day deal.

Final Thoughts

Then, it is time to plan your budget and get one model this spring or winter. You will not regret the purchase since snowmobiles are very effective and helpful, especially on snowy days. A used one also does the trick if your money is tight.

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Daniel Barker

Motorcyclist

Daniel Barker was introduced to racing in 2006 when he experienced his first track day on his Suzuki sv650. With more than 15 years of experience on his track. Daniel is known as for his high-energy riding, drifting, precision stoppies and technical riding ability on virtually any motorcycle.


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