Buy or Rent: Do You Need to Own a Snowmobile?

As Americans, we’ve been conditioned to buy and own. We strive to own real estate, homes, and vehicles. In many cases, this makes sense. But does the ownership equation apply to a snowmobile?

Buying puts you in a position to benefit from appreciation. When the value of a commodity or good that you own rises, your net worth increases. Generally speaking, snowmobiles don’t appreciate. Just the opposite. Consider a snowmobile purchase as a liability, not an investment.

Not only is the ever-decreasing value of a snowmobile a liability, as a snowmobile owner you’ll be responsible for additional expenses. Even if you perform your own maintenance, a snowmobile needs time and attention in order to remain in good working order. Smart owners insure their snowmobiles against theft and damage, and hold liability coverage in the event that their operation causes damage or injury to others. Many states require snowmobile registration and permits for riding on public lands. A snowmobile needs to be stored when not in use, and unless you’re riding on your own land or on land adjacent to your own, you’re probably going to need a trailer and a towing vehicle or hauling vehicle and ramps to get to a place where you can ride your snowmobile.

If it sounds like I’m trying to talk you out of buying a snowmobile, you’re wrong. I’m just encouraging you to consider the proposition fully, and to consider alternatives to buying a new snowmobile that still allow you to participate in the hobby.

One of the best options that I recommend is snowmobile rental.

Renting a snowmobile comes with several financial advantages. First, the outlay of cash is substantially lower than a purchase. Rates vary widely, depending on where and when you want to ride. Many outlets rent vehicles by the hour, while others set rates by the day. Prices are often tied to the type of use. You can choose to ride as part of a group with a guide as a beginner or intermediate rider, or if you are a more experienced rider, you can choose to ride on your own or with your own small group. Most rental outlets carry a variety of snowmobiles, from smaller displacement single rider models to larger displacement snowmobiles for two-up riding. Some dealers rent snowmobile and trailer packages together, allowing for more destination options. Dealers are happy to include an insurance package with your rental – which means that you don’t need to maintain insurance on a snowmobile between rides, only while you’re actually enjoying your ride.

For me, the best part about renting a snowmobile is that I don’t have to worry about maintaining the vehicle before or after riding. Most of the outlets that I have explored rent current model year snowmobiles from one manufacturer. They lease or buy new vehicles from the manufacturer each season, and either turn them in or sell them at the end of the riding season. When you pick up your rental, it’s in top shape, clean, maintained and ready to ride.

Perhaps more important to me is the fact that I can explore destinations that are much farther from home by arranging for a rental near where I want to ride, and flying to the location rather than wasting days on the road transporting myself (and a snowmobile). While I may not get the extra thrill of riding my own privately owned snowmobile, I gain time actually riding, rather than the drudgery of a road trip.

Even with all that in mind, you might still want to own your own snowmobile. If you own, you can customize your ride to your personal needs and taste. You won’t have to familiarize yourself with a new, different snowmobile every time you take a trip. You may ride more often, knowing that you own your own personal machine. I get it.

I’d encourage you to shop for a used vehicle, perhaps even one that’s being retired from use at a rental operation. You will save money, avoid the steepest slope of depreciation (the initial one), and you’ll still be able to get a great, well-maintained snowmobile of your very own – at a smart price.