best machines ive ever had was yamaha! sure other makes are just as good, up to date ive had a 1994 vmax 600 electric start and reverse,very good on gas and never left me stranded. had a bombardier never will i get one of them again. then i had a polaris,thaT thing was ok it was an indy 500..great for riding trails and pulling a little sled with ice fishing gear. then i came back to yam but something more sport(longtrack) i have fun trail riding and off in the deep powerder pulling fishing equipment is a blast. i would look into either 1. yamaha vk540 2.polaris indo 500 or 440 3.skandic wt. and whatever machine you get loom for the following things
1.compression. buy a tester from royal distributing @ 30$. from my expirience compression should be between 115-140 on 2 stroke . anything below 115 i would stay away. it will only mean in the long run you might have to do pistons and rings.
2. check slides.track..skiis and the runners. besides that you should be pretty good.
good luck and let us know what you choose..if you need any more help or have questions pm me.