Warranty

[Bakemono]

I think that as the years click by and people start to rack up lots of miles on their RX-1s the sleds will do more talking than a warranty ever could.
These sleds have proven their durability ever since they were first released.
The only time a warranty would really do any good would be if Yamaha had a lot of engine problems (like Cat and Doo have had, hence the long warranties). However, this really hasnt been the case.
Granted, the '03s and '04s had a few problems here and there but certainly nothing compared to what the competition has had for problems.
I think that if you stopped in any bar or restaurant and polled 100 snowmobilers who were non-Yamaha owners and asked them what they thought the most reliable make is, Id be willing to bet that most of them would say "Yamaha".
Cap'n

 

[ReX]

The only time a warranty would really do any good would be if Yamaha had a lot of engine problems (like Cat and Doo have had, hence the long warranties). However, this really hasnt been the case.
...
I think that if you stopped in any bar or restaurant and polled 100 snowmobilers who were non-Yamaha owners and asked them what they thought the most reliable make is, Id be willing to bet that most of them would say "Yamaha".
Cap'n

Don't forget the warranty covers more than just the engine.

I think if you stopped somewhere and found a bunch of 05 RX-1 owners they'd all tell you they are concerned about suspension failures next year and in the following years.

 

[revster]

I think that as the years click by and people start to rack up lots of miles on their RX-1s the sleds will do more talking than a warranty ever could.
These sleds have proven their durability ever since they were first released.
The only time a warranty would really do any good would be if Yamaha had a lot of engine problems (like Cat and Doo have had, hence the long warranties). However, this really hasnt been the case.
Granted, the '03s and '04s had a few problems here and there but certainly nothing compared to what the competition has had for problems.
I think that if you stopped in any bar or restaurant and polled 100 snowmobilers who were non-Yamaha owners and asked them what they thought the most reliable make is, Id be willing to bet that most of them would say "Yamaha".
Cap'n

You're kind of missing my point. If the engine is bulletproof and will not fail then it would not cost them anything to cover it for a second or third year.....and for that they would gain customers like myself.

Say only one engine fails (second riding season) out of all the Yamaha 4-strokes sold. You say no need for warranty.... and I say what about that poor sucker who's engine blew. He's left with a huge bill. If he had bought a Doo or a Cat his odds of blowing it up would have been higher but at least it wouldn't have cost him anything. :ORC

Next spring when I order my next new sled all I want to see is them match the warranty offered by SKI-DOO.

Just my .02

 

[Dano]

 

[impalapower]

You say no need for warranty.... and I say what about that poor sucker who's engine blew. He's left with a huge bill.

Thats the odds with anything breaking. I have yet to purchase a warranty on anything. If you spend money on extended warranties, don't fly either, the plane might get hijacked. So many folks get worried about nothing. I'm into the HVAC service field, yes if someone wants an extended warranty I will sell one. Do I recommend it? No, spend your money elsewhere.

 

[Bakemono]

You're kind of missing my point. If the engine is bulletproof and will not fail then it would not cost them anything to cover it for a second or third year.....and for that they would gain customers like myself.

Say only one engine fails (second riding season) out of all the Yamaha 4-strokes sold. You say no need for warranty.... and I say what about that poor sucker who's engine blew. He's left with a huge bill. If he had bought a Doo or a Cat his odds of blowing it up would have been higher but at least it wouldn't have cost him anything. :ORC

Next spring when I order my next new sled all I want to see is them match the warranty offered by SKI-DOO.

Just my .02

True, but a warranty isnt worth much when a sled spends 1/2 the winter in the shop. Ask all the people with '03 Firecats, '03/'04 SDI Doos and '05 Fusions how they feel about their warranty. A warranty cant replace the days you lose while your sled is being fixed.
Cap'n

 

[impalapower]

And in addition to the Cap'n, it doesn't get fixed any faster with a warranty either.

 

[Smokey]

Revster...You really should talk more to your boss at work he knows everything. Winnipeg Yamaha tells me that you will get three years warantee if you give up your $500 in Yamabucks. This came up in a conversation when I was telling them of the Cat 4 yr warantee.

 

[Riceburner]

Revster,

You are right that warranty can be used to attract sales by giving peace of mind.

Normally it is used by manufacturers that are having durability and or image issues. Hyundai, Kia and recently Mitsubishi come to mind.

Basically, "free" extended warranty is a marketing tool.

Yamaha has decided to use "Yamabucks" which gives you a multitude of choices, one being extended warranty as your neighbour pointed out above. You get to decide what you want.

Far better deal for us purchasers IMHO. I use mine for other things like studs, luggage, helmets, clothing etc.

The seven Yamahas I have owned since 1997 have over 70,000 KM on them. [ I run 2 to 4 sleds at a time for me and my family ] One is at 18,000km and one at 15,000km.

The only sled that needed anything at all between one and four years old was an 01 700 Deluxe that needed a water pump seal at the start of year three.

It was out of warranty but the dealer or Yamaha covered it anyhow.

My dealer at the time said, it was the only warranty claim he had in three years on Yamaha sleds since taking over the dealership. He was not concerned with making a claim.

Keep doing the research you are doing and when you decide on the sled,
decide then whether to use your Yamabucks on the warranty or stuff.

Based on my experience with all four brands, I would suggest extended warranty for some Cats and Doo,s. [some are OK] Polaris is a toss up. Use the Yamabucks to buy the stuff, not warranty, with any Yamaha.



Riceburner

 

[Bakemono]

And in addition to the Cap'n, it doesn't get fixed any faster with a warranty either.

True. In that instance a good relationship with your dealer can be priceless.
Cap'n

 

[revster]

Revster...You really should talk more to your boss at work he knows everything. Winnipeg Yamaha tells me that you will get three years warantee if you give up your $500 in Yamabucks. This came up in a conversation when I was telling them of the Cat 4 yr warantee.

I thought it was you that told me that you only got one year and had to pay for extra. But I like what you're telling me, I think I would give up the Yamaha bucks for a little peace of mind since I don't make the big bucks like you.

Now for the next problem RTX, ATTAK or NYTRO?

 

[Smokey]

No when I got my 04 it was late in the season (March) At that time they were trying to get rid of the 04's and Yamaha was offering a two year warrantee at no cost. (on leftover 03's and 04's) I paid $100 or so for a third year. The three years for giving up your Yama Bucks is for the snow check for 06's...

 

[Riceburner]

Revster,

I see in your sig you have a 97 700 SX.

Out of curiousity, What did you have to do to that sled between year one and year four that was not a maitenance issue and would have been a warranty claim if you had a three year warranty?


I have had 3 Yamaha 700's since 97. All bulletproof except for the water pump seal mentioned above on the 01. 42,000 KM between the three of them. Never even fouled a plug.

Great sled in their day. The 01 is going this year. Trading it on a new GT
Apex.

Riceburner

 

[revster]

Revster,

I see in your sig you have a 97 700 SX.

Out of curiousity, What did you have to do to that sled between year one and year four that was not a maitenance issue and would have been a warranty claim if you had a three year warranty?


I have had 3 Yamaha 700's since 97. All bulletproof except for the water pump seal mentioned above on the 01. 42,000 KM between the three of them. Never even fouled a plug.

Great sled in their day. The 01 is going this year. Trading it on a new GT
Apex.

Riceburner

I bought it used. But I don't think it needed anything major. Nor did my brother-in-laws 03 Viper. But had either engine gone they would have been a lot cheaper the rebuild than an RX-1 engine.

You guys are right. I most likely will not need extra warranty. But if I'm the one guy that blows up his engine the cost of having one of those RX engines rebuilt must be an arm and a leg. ...anybody have some numbers on that.

I will be taking the extra coverage. 8)

 

[Smokey]

I agree if I was buying an 06 I would give up my Yama Bucks in a heartbeat for three years warranty