Well I'm in the market for a new sled and am wondering what everyone's opinion is for a trail machine? Has to be 08' or newer with a 136" or less track. Also I am not looking to spend 10K. So far I'm liking the MXZ 500SS but open to opinions.

Bring on the white stuff!

eric if i were you i would get ahold of arnie ranta motor sports he's got some great deals. he's in the cities but the money you save will be worth the trip.
He's got a add on car soup. His phone # is 651-793-4375 e-mail aranta@comcast.net.
He's got a artic cat touring 660 4 stroke that you would just love.I bought a sled from arnie a couple years ago a 2004 artic cat bear cat and have been very happy with it. good luck mark

Eric, you could look on craigslist in the Duluth area I saw alot of sleds listed your looking for Skidoo MX.

Also welcome to LSF Mark. The Artic Cat four stroke is nice the Mn Dnr runs those here on Leech long tracks.

go with a cat!

Welcome to LSF Mark'sjigs! I bought my 08' from Arnie last year. Great deals but he is all out of performance trail sleds, I talked with him yesterday. He has some mountain stuff left but I don't really want the long tracks.

Anyone run an 800 IQ? Found some deals on these as well but not sure I want the weight of the 800.

I don't think you would be disappointed with that 500SS. I've heard a lot of good things about that sled. Would love to upgrade to a XP but, I can't afford it. Not only that it's suppose to be a El nino winter which usually means it will be warm and no snow.
Look here there are usually a ton of sleds for sale
http://www.dootalk.com/forums/index.php?showforum=32

If I where you I would go with the brand new Arctic Cat 500 sno pro, They are putting out one of the best reviews out there this year.

call around to dealers. See what they have for previous year sleds. I got a brand new 2005 700 F7 Arctic Cat in December with Warranty for $4800 Plus tax. I know the Arctic Cat dealer in Hasting or Cottage Grove (can't remember where located) go through a lot of sleds so the more they buy the cheaper you can get them. They were running 2007 f6's last year for 4800.
Good Luck and happy sledding.

I am running a 2008 F8 sno pro, and can tell you that this new twin spar chasis is the most comfortable trail riding sled I have ever owned. you could ride all day without any sorness what so ever. plus you have the power of the 800, and upgraded shocks on the sno pro for more aggressive riding the junk. very happy here.