$4500 to spend.....summit 800 or m8

xcrider

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I am looking for good honest opinions please. I have 4500 bucks max, and am looking for a new to me sled. That puts me looking at roughly 2007 models. My interest is basically narrowed down between the summit 800 and m8. I do want a 144-151" track.
So from those that have experience with either of these machines in that year, which is the one you would suggest and why?
Thanks
 

dezmitchell

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M8 all the way....... maybe one of the doo guys can chime in on this but i believe the doo 800's were having problems around then its kind of hit and miss if you got a good one (again if im wrong someone correct me) but the cat 800 motor has always been SOLID with very minimal problems. Personally i would go for reliability look for a nive m8 or even m7 there both good machines my m7 has over 5000 miles and i just do the top end every 2 years thing has never left me stranded.
 

Mare

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M8 .. 07 and up if u can find one for that price. Any older than that had NO reverse.
 

bhowes

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im a doo guy tru and thru but have to agree with the cat the suzuki motors were good reliable power plants as was stated the doos were hit and miss although the doo that was a good one that year was an awesome sled

you could check out this link from ontario though answers many questions www.youtube.com angry ontario snowmobiler
 
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Bnorth

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I have a soft spot for the 2007 summit with the 800r as they are a great machine setup right but for me I would do the m8. Prefer the rev handling but the 800 cat motor is really reliable and has fuel injection. The doo is carbed and I'm not a carb fan.
 

neilsleder

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I am a doo guy to but the m8 or m7 engines do last forever! I think the was a few members on here have some for sale. I think pilo and Bogger had them.
 

2skis

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I agree on the M8. Great motors 7500+KM's on my 08 with strong compression before I totaled it. Just keep your diamond drive oil changed and should have no problems. And I recommend installing a teather!!. And they don't eat belts either.
 

HoldMyBeerAndWatchThis

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Ive got to say I'm kinda surprised at the out cry for Cat, great motor but i would buy a rev over it just for the handling and the reverse, the 06 rev is great if you can find one for a decent price. 07's now should be good because you should be able to find one with a new motor put in to mend the bottom end issues. I had both and loved the rev chassis so in that my vote would be for the Rev.
 

Weirboondocking

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M8 all the way... I would also update the tunnel so it's the same as the 09, you only need a bumper and the running board supports, do the geo mod to the skid and ride it like I stoled it.
 

fnDan

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Ive got to say I'm kinda surprised at the out cry for Cat, great motor but i would buy a rev over it just for the handling and the reverse, the 06 rev is great if you can find one for a decent price. 07's now should be good because you should be able to find one with a new motor put in to mend the bottom end issues. I had both and loved the rev chassis so in that my vote would be for the Rev.

Lots of people raved about the Rev chassis. For fun factor I think a Rev is the better way to go if you want to just pull the rope and go.
 

Old-Soul

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One thing I found when looking for my sled last year, and now that I'm helping a buddy look for a new ride, is that most of the REV's you'll be looking at have had engine work done so as long as it's done by a reputable shop you should have some trouble-free miles ahead of you.

But the M8 is a solid platform for sure, and usually have a lower resale value that I've seen so you may be able to find a nicer Cat for your money.
 

vodoo103

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Have a soft spot for the Rev Chassis - lots of fun & tough chassis. The '07's had a bad rap, but mine never let me down. If you can find one that's had the potential issues dealt with, they're great.

The cat's have always felt awkward and heavy to me - but that's just time in the saddle.
 

xcrider

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Thanks for the info. Looks like its a 50-50 split. I had an m1000 and it was just to heavy for my old muskles. Want something lighter and still peppy. Never ridden the Rev, but it does sound like there fun.
 

Old-Soul

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Know anyone who has a REV they'd let you ride for a day or two? Best way to see if you like them.
 

summit1974

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I vote rev,cat did have a good motor but they do not ride like the rev at all.My 07 was a great sled,I had no problems with it.
 

F5_Z06

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M8 for sure, solid sled and a reliable motor. If you have a tight budget you don't want to risk getting one of the 'bad' revs and get stuck with a repair bill.
 
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