chadwick02
Newbie
Hey Everyone, new member here!. You all seem like a pretty cool bunch.
I've got a '96 vmax 500, but I'm looking to upgrade to something newer and more current. I spend most of my time on crappy new england trails, and thats about it. Maybe a trip to VT once a year. I am looking for something that is lightweight, fun, and maneuverable. It does not have to be a speed monster, but I dont want a dog. It seems as though the phazer FX will fit my bill nicely, and I rode one briefly last year and loved it! I've been doing alot of research and looking for the past few weeks, and I've had my eye on a sled for sale locally. Its a 07 phazer FX (electric start and reverse) with 850 miles on it. My self and a good friend who is a yamaha nut and a total gear head spent an hour looking at it today, and It is pretty much in perfect condition, not even a mark on the skid plate. It does come with some upgraded skis (dual runner style), and saddle bags. The track is not studded. So a few questions:
1. The guy is asking $4,500 firm, and is pretty much sticking to it. He might budge 100 bucks, maybe, but not much more. I've done alot of price research and seen some go for more and some go for less. This price seems to be pretty average. Does that sound reasonable? It is in great condition.
2. What is the factory warranty on this machine? Is there any chance it is still under warranty?
3 - In reading on this site it seems as though there are some issues with a few things on these 07's, but I'm having a tough time keeping them all straight, but it seems as though the major ones are: cold starting, starter, reverse engagement, suspension linkage loose bolts, and steering update which also covers filter clips and a few other things. The sled has been back to the dealer once since new for its 500 miles service, but the seller's got no idea what has been done, and what if any. If the issues exist and have not been corrected, are any of them critical and something I really need to look out for? Will the dealer be of any help (and not charge and arm and a leg) with this issues if not under warranty? With a sled like this that has had fairly little usage but is either out, or close to out of warranty, im a little concerned that these are things that I might have to deal with later, but SHOULD have been delt with under warranty. I dont mind doing little things and fixes my self (like the tunnel close out...etc), but I'd rather not deal with major issues that will cost $$$ to correct that should have been fixed by yamaha. I've never had a sled new enough to be covered under warranty, and I've never been into a snowmobile shop for service work ever, so any info would be appreciated as to what a dealer will and will not do in relation to these issues, if anything?
4- the seller is claiming that there is no "title" for the sled. He does have the original bill of sale, proof that it is paid off and tax paid, last years registration, and a "certificate of origin", but he says new sleds are not coming with titles. This sounds a little shady to me, but I haven't bought a sled in over 10 years, so I dont know what to think? I'll call the registry today to see what they require. A few buddies of mine think that not having a title is NOT a problem, both for registration and selling it in the future. Does anyone (specifically in Mass) have any experience with sleds with no titles? Is this a major red flag?
Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance for all the help!
- Chad
I've got a '96 vmax 500, but I'm looking to upgrade to something newer and more current. I spend most of my time on crappy new england trails, and thats about it. Maybe a trip to VT once a year. I am looking for something that is lightweight, fun, and maneuverable. It does not have to be a speed monster, but I dont want a dog. It seems as though the phazer FX will fit my bill nicely, and I rode one briefly last year and loved it! I've been doing alot of research and looking for the past few weeks, and I've had my eye on a sled for sale locally. Its a 07 phazer FX (electric start and reverse) with 850 miles on it. My self and a good friend who is a yamaha nut and a total gear head spent an hour looking at it today, and It is pretty much in perfect condition, not even a mark on the skid plate. It does come with some upgraded skis (dual runner style), and saddle bags. The track is not studded. So a few questions:
1. The guy is asking $4,500 firm, and is pretty much sticking to it. He might budge 100 bucks, maybe, but not much more. I've done alot of price research and seen some go for more and some go for less. This price seems to be pretty average. Does that sound reasonable? It is in great condition.
2. What is the factory warranty on this machine? Is there any chance it is still under warranty?
3 - In reading on this site it seems as though there are some issues with a few things on these 07's, but I'm having a tough time keeping them all straight, but it seems as though the major ones are: cold starting, starter, reverse engagement, suspension linkage loose bolts, and steering update which also covers filter clips and a few other things. The sled has been back to the dealer once since new for its 500 miles service, but the seller's got no idea what has been done, and what if any. If the issues exist and have not been corrected, are any of them critical and something I really need to look out for? Will the dealer be of any help (and not charge and arm and a leg) with this issues if not under warranty? With a sled like this that has had fairly little usage but is either out, or close to out of warranty, im a little concerned that these are things that I might have to deal with later, but SHOULD have been delt with under warranty. I dont mind doing little things and fixes my self (like the tunnel close out...etc), but I'd rather not deal with major issues that will cost $$$ to correct that should have been fixed by yamaha. I've never had a sled new enough to be covered under warranty, and I've never been into a snowmobile shop for service work ever, so any info would be appreciated as to what a dealer will and will not do in relation to these issues, if anything?
4- the seller is claiming that there is no "title" for the sled. He does have the original bill of sale, proof that it is paid off and tax paid, last years registration, and a "certificate of origin", but he says new sleds are not coming with titles. This sounds a little shady to me, but I haven't bought a sled in over 10 years, so I dont know what to think? I'll call the registry today to see what they require. A few buddies of mine think that not having a title is NOT a problem, both for registration and selling it in the future. Does anyone (specifically in Mass) have any experience with sleds with no titles? Is this a major red flag?
Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance for all the help!
- Chad
Welcome to the site Chad, hopefully we can help answer some questions for you.
1. Trust your research and gut on the price. The seller isn't trying to gouge with that price.
2. The warranty was 1 year on that model, any additional would have been purchased separately.
3. A quick way to check for TSB work is to look for punch marks around the VIN number on the tunnel. Part of the TSB process is to make a punch mark in a certain location near the VIN number. The sled you're looking at should have two punch marks. The other stuff listed on the forum but not covered by TSB's is what it is, some have had problems, others haven't.
4. Typically, the state registration serves as the "title". It would be best to check your state regulations.
Hope this helps!
1. Trust your research and gut on the price. The seller isn't trying to gouge with that price.
2. The warranty was 1 year on that model, any additional would have been purchased separately.
3. A quick way to check for TSB work is to look for punch marks around the VIN number on the tunnel. Part of the TSB process is to make a punch mark in a certain location near the VIN number. The sled you're looking at should have two punch marks. The other stuff listed on the forum but not covered by TSB's is what it is, some have had problems, others haven't.
4. Typically, the state registration serves as the "title". It would be best to check your state regulations.
Hope this helps!
03renegade800
Veteran
I would have to agree, the registratin=on card or sticker here in minnesota is the title, you take that to the DMV to transfer title
chadwick02
Newbie
Thanks guys. I'm starting to think 4500 is NOT a smokin deal. It seems as though I can get a leftover NEW 08 for 1000-1500 more that has alot of the 07 issues fixed AND has a 1 year warranty that will correct any more issues that might come up!
I also found another 07 FX for sale, its about 2 hours away, but its only got 300 miles on it, custom FMF exhaust, it IS studded, and the guy is asking $300 less than the one I was originally looking at, and might be able to negotiate less from there.
Keep the opinions coming, I'd love to hear what people have to say.
Thanks!
Chad
I also found another 07 FX for sale, its about 2 hours away, but its only got 300 miles on it, custom FMF exhaust, it IS studded, and the guy is asking $300 less than the one I was originally looking at, and might be able to negotiate less from there.
Keep the opinions coming, I'd love to hear what people have to say.
Thanks!
Chad
tkuss
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
Maybe just do a search on this site about those custom dirt bike exhausts. I do not have any experiences with them but I recall many people saying that they do not seem to be very durable. Maybe if it is mounted properly it will be no problem, the packing inside the exhaust will probably where out pretty quickly as well. Also it is probably louder than what is trail legal. Not trying to scare you away from the sled, just something to keep in mind. When I bought my phazer at the end of the 07 season, or the first year they came out. Some dealers were selling the FX's and GT's for 5300$ new. It wasnt to long ago a guy on here picked up a 07 phazer for 2100$ with like 800 miles on it, that is a deal. The deals are out there you just got to find them. I would try to get an 08 if possible. I have an 07 FX, for some freak reason the engine blew up, Yamaha sent us an 08 engine and it starts and seems to run much better than the 07 did. Also with the 08's, you will have the billet link, radiator fan, and all updates done straight from the factory, so you know everything is mechanically sound and has not all been ripped apart and put back together.
tommyt5078
Expert
Were your from would help?
I've been on the other TY site for years and just came over here for the same reason, like for a Phazer, well I've already found two new ones (08') still in the crates for $5,000 and this was asking for a price over the phone, in person $4,500 isn't out of the question.
I'm in the milwaukee wisconsin area.
I've been on the other TY site for years and just came over here for the same reason, like for a Phazer, well I've already found two new ones (08') still in the crates for $5,000 and this was asking for a price over the phone, in person $4,500 isn't out of the question.
I'm in the milwaukee wisconsin area.
chadwick02
Newbie
New 08' RTX for 5 grand??????? Holy cow!
I called 8 dealers within a 150 mile radius, only 1 had a left over 08, and we ended somewhere around $6400. Everyone else only had a few 09's coming in, and were talking right around 7,600, which is pretty much MSRP. Maybe thats what I get for buying during prime time? Heck, I wonder what the truck freight would be to have a new one shipped from wisconsin? We have a large loading dock and fork lifts at work too...
I live in new england, western mass (amherst Ma) to be exact. I updated my profile. I know boat prices vary dramatically between the east coast and west, so maybe snowmobiles are similar?
I called 8 dealers within a 150 mile radius, only 1 had a left over 08, and we ended somewhere around $6400. Everyone else only had a few 09's coming in, and were talking right around 7,600, which is pretty much MSRP. Maybe thats what I get for buying during prime time? Heck, I wonder what the truck freight would be to have a new one shipped from wisconsin? We have a large loading dock and fork lifts at work too...
I live in new england, western mass (amherst Ma) to be exact. I updated my profile. I know boat prices vary dramatically between the east coast and west, so maybe snowmobiles are similar?
tkuss
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
Right now on port yamahas website, you can buy brand new 08 nytros for 8000$
chadwick02
Newbie
My local dealer has got a leftover 08 RTX that he will let go for $6500. I think if I could be under 6K I'd do it. Anyone got any ideas how to squeeze a few $$$ out of it and go lower? It would be great to buy new, but not if I can find a barely used sled with 300 miles on it for 2 grand less than a new one! I dont want to beat them up too bad, but 2K is alot of money!
tkuss
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
Maybe just set an amount right now that you would be happy paying for that sled, and just go in there ready to buy and pay for it that day. Maybe if the dealer knows you are 100% sure you are going to buy the sled then and there, he will give you a price you are happy with.
03renegade800
Veteran
i paid 4000 for my lightly used phazer mountain lite just 3 weeks ago, only a little over 500 mile on it and a warrantee till 2011. not a bad deal, all the updates except the possible free tunnel closure. set to drop it off next week for a check up. this sled is flawless. the only thing i didn't get is a windshield, but i would have tore that off anyways... the deals are out there you just have to look around. check craigs list in your area..
chadwick02
Newbie
Thanks renegade, the more I think about it the more buying new is not for me. I've got the money to buy a slightly used one, ive got the time and know-how to tinker with an 07 or 08 to do some of the minor fixes, and I'm not going to ride it more than a few hundred miles a year, so I dont think I can justify new. I can find a deal similar to what you've got, I hope.
So I'll keep looking. If anyone has a 07 or 08 phazer for sale in the new england area, let me know!
So I'll keep looking. If anyone has a 07 or 08 phazer for sale in the new england area, let me know!
chadwick02
Newbie
I've looked at a bunch of phazers now, and from what I can see, the 07 that I originally looked at is an awesome machine. I'm going down this evening to pick it up. Anyone have any last words of wisdom before I fork over my cash?
- Chad
- Chad
maybe, see if you could push the dealer down on price a little, I just got a brand new left over 08 rtx for $5500, about $6000 out the door with taxes etc.
