Advice on older sled, 1988 Polaris Indy

Good day everyone, my brother is looking to sell me his 1988 Polaris Indy sled, not sure the engine size yet, looking at it this weekend. First, I only want it for dropping off the trailer, running the lake to a spot, or two, then back to the trailer. No trails.

I've done some research and apparently the motors run well and are reliable. I am a bigger guy and with that older seating position I know it won't be really comfortable.

So the question is, is the sled too old for what I am looking to do and should stick to 90s and newer? Anyone have experience with these sleds?

Thanks and let's slam some fish this weekend!!

If I was looking for a sled just for fishing and it runs good I would BUY!!!

Is this my brother? Lol. They are going to send a video so let's see. They gave me all the usual, female owned, since new, they drove it last year and lots of power. We will see.

Always be aware of the caveat, "drove it last year" without mentioning the actual year. Best thing is "you know where he lives", lol.

Always be aware of the caveat, "drove it last year" without mentioning the actual year. Best thing is "you know where he lives", lol.

Great point, except I won't get my money back if I bring it back, we all know family haha.

I love the old indies. They are great sleds. Easy to work on as well.

And yes they are reliable sleds if taken care of.....

My first one was an 1989 Indy Classic 500. Sweet sled for the year.

If you have a compression tester - or can borrow one... bring it with you to test each cylinder.

Other things to check: Drive belt wear. BOGIE WHEEL CONDITION - and bearings. This is often overlooked. I just tore my ice fishing machine apart to replace the sliders (another thing to check the condition of) and couldn't believe how bad some of them were. 500 dollars later, and a lot of headaches lol ...... good as new.

Also check track condition.

All things considered - if it drives and runs decent and the lights work - probably ok for what you need it for. If some of the bogies are a bit cracked no big deal the bearings are the bigger concern. If half of them are siezed or barely moving it's hard on your engine. If they spin fairly freely you're golden.

Might be worth getting it propped up and getting into the axle rods and greasing them all as well before heading out.

When sleds sit all this stuff dries up and it's even worse in the winter if your machine isn't greased properly.



Hope this helps.

Just a question relating to Polaris snowmobiles.
Approximately what would a 2017 Polaris Indy 600 SP (White Lightning edition) be worth?
Said to be in excellent condition with 2,200 km's.

I find older sleds like Shell super gas & really good oil. It costs more but how much can you burn in an ice fishing season.

Ethanol and 2 strokes don't go together.
Shell premium doesn't have ethanol.

Never had one that old but 90's polaris are great machines. I wouldn't hesitate to own one again. I personally find them bit heavy to maneuver. My current fishing sled is a 1994 venture 480 FC 151".. now this is a great fishing sled.

Thanks, hoping to see it run this weekend.

So many great points, thanks. Better make myself a list of things to look at.

What is it worth is one thing, but what would it list and sell for on Kijiji?

for a 2017 600 SP with 2200kms I would expect it to list for 10-12k these days, maybe more.

It was likely 9k new.

VicFish thanks.
She thought she might get $2,000 - $2500.
I'm not a Poo guy so I though I'd ask.
I know I can get at least what I originally paid for my 2018 Ski-Doo Tundra LT 550F.
Knew she was far too low.
Every vulture would have been after it.

If that's what she wants then I'll give her $3,500 cash today.


That's just the kind of sled I'm looking for. Basic trail sled with low mileage. Unfortunately with Covid pricing in effect they are all outside of the price I'm willing to pay for a short season toy.

She will do well on the sale I have a feeling.