I would go 08 or newer. Some of the 07'S were good and have survived the dreaded first year problems. If you buy a left over talk to the dealer alot, make sure you understand that ALL of the updates have been done to the sled. Like ecu reprogram and I would go as far as checking ALL the wiring harness on either model, seems they are suffering from poor quality control when it comes to wire routing. Definitely gear it down. These sleds come from the factory geared too high. This seems like alot of stuff to know about a new sled but you will have the same issue with any of the sleds for sale today, sad,, but that's the way it is. Look on some of the other sites like in general, there is a survey going on about what sleds are being towed out and so far, arctic cat seems to be low on the list of sleds towed. With your son's size maybe look at the 1000. Haven't ridden these sleds but I weigh 210 and plan on getting a 1000. Been ten years since I've ridden but, it's like riding a bike once you've done it's not so hard to remember how to. If he decides to buy a 1000 make sure the clutches have been checked and rechecked for alignment in every possible way. this sled has LOTS of torque not a bad thing but has engine movement so be aware. I would start by gearing down first, don't get talked into buying a bunch of clutch parts, like stiffer springs or clutch weights and such. Stick with the basics some say on the 1000 all this sled needs for a gear change is to go from 60/60 to 57 63 or so. Now like I said earlier, I haven't messed with one of these but know from past experience that, with the sled on a stand in the garage with the track off the ground once the engine has been warmed up and the clutches the same when you rev it all the way out to wide open throttle and the speedo climbs over 100 mi. an hr. the sled is tooo high geared... I have mentioned this on other sites and am sure I've been laughed at but believe me if a sled will pull 100 in your garage and the elevation you ride at is higher and the snow is deep. The sled will be too high geared. The next thing that will happen is it will start eating belts, and the common answer is to change the clutches in some manner. WRONG, try gearing down first use the recommended high elevation springs buy the manufacture. Other than that do the usual MAKE SURE AND CHECK BOLTS DURING THE FIRST RIDE along with other stuff. I know these should be pull and go but like I said earlier, for some reason they get slapped together at the factory and it is put on the dealers to figure out what is screwed up or not installed properly and , sometimes things get missed at the dealership. OH! ask around to find a good dealer, sounds like there are some in business for the buck, not the customer. so be careful. This sled has a hunger for 2 stroke oil,,, this is adjustable so don't worry too much about it. The power valve cable routing is important so check it. the 08's have an electric mechanical reverse, not real fond of it and the gear case drive gears are a pressed together design there are better gears from the original manufacture of the gear box and being it would be wise to gear down anyway buy the gears from them, Black Diamond is their name. Well this should help I hope,, seems like alot of stuff to know but hey learning is knowledge. YES I will buy one of these even with the issues mentioned. BIG POWER handle well with some suspension tuning handle even better. Some guy's want turn key or something not sure what. These things come setup generac cause, one size doesn't fit all can't, no way no how, just the nature of the thing, if they were, you would have to go to the dealership and be fitted too the sled, not gonna happen.
