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New ATV or slightly used?

1483 Views 12 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  Coldsnowman
Hello,

I am new to the forum; I have been swimming through the ATV manufactures looking to re-enter the arena of all terrain vehicles. I have not owned a wheeler for 11 years (2002 500 AC). I believe Can Am is my best option for my intentions; plowing, deer hunting, yard projects, and a occasional blast down the trail. I was a little over whelmed by the new prices that these machines command, so I started looking for slightly used with a warranty still intact. I have found a few that have under 300 miles (2014, 2015) , some with and some without warranties,

Being that most if not all XT packages get right into the 10,000 plus range. I wondering the thoughts of this forum on whether buying 10K plus machine without a warranty is just (Can Am dependability)? There happens to be a 2014 1000 XT with 179 miles and lots of extras right at 10 grand for sale. I am concerned with the what ifs, and I don't need a 1000 cc model, but it appears to be in excellent shape and a pretty good value for the price. Any thoughts?

Thanks!
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New or used? I guess it boils down to what you are comfortable with, the only comment that I would make is I would not let the warranty be the deciding factor in your choice. Most the time they only give a 6 month warranty to begin with, and then maybe you'll get an extended warranty up to 12 months, but whichever warranty you might get, most of the time they will deny the warranty request citing user abuse.
Don't get me wrong, I've used my warranty for leaking water pumps (both on my 2012 1000xt and my 6x6 1000xt) and once for a faulty power steering unit on my 1000xt and these happened within the first 1-2 months of owning them, but I've seen too many times on this site where people have been denied.
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Most times new is the way to go, less surprises. Unless you can come across a deal you can't pass up like me. I bought a 2013 Outlander 800xt with 180kms on it. Spotless trade in a a dealer.



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Most slightly used machines were traded in for a "reason". Either someone needed the money or they screwed it up and want to get rid of it asap!
Most slightly used machines were traded in for a "reason". Either someone needed the money or they screwed it up and want to get rid of it asap!

I was not intending to buy a used bike from a dealer for the reason you stated. My thoughts of a slightly used bike would be from a private owner. Unfortunately, some may have bought on buyers impulse (can't really afford, like you stated) or need to sell due to life changes. I will have to do my homework if I go the lightly used route; my reasoning for a possible transferable warranty.
Used is always going to be a crap shoot, and I'd say especially with a Can-Am. These machines are designed for the 'enthusiast' and a good number of them are ridden hard. Not to say that they may not be well maintained, but your chances of finding a low mileage used Can-Am that was just used to putt around the family acreage are slim.
Take a close look at the COLOR of the engine. 99% of the machines on craigslist say they were "never in mud", yet the whole dam engine is golden brown from submerging it in muddy water. They must think people are stupid!

Like said above, people buy Can-am's for the big power to turn mud tires, so expect many of them to have been in deep! They usually sell them right after they swamp the engines.
Definitely take somebody with you familiar with the model you are interested. Always best to have a second set of eyes if you are gonna buy used.


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Sounds like a 500cc may meet your needs, you could also look at Can Am's "L" series, they come with a 5 year warranty, kinda hard to beat that. Lower priced then their regular offerings. they trade the plastic racks and the 260 watt headlight system for metal and 130 watt light system.
Take a close look at the COLOR of the engine. 99% of the machines on craigslist say they were "never in mud", yet the whole dam engine is golden brown from submerging it in muddy water. They must think people are stupid!

Like said above, people buy Can-am's for the big power to turn mud tires, so expect many of them to have been in deep! They usually sell them right after they swamp the engines.
That's very true, on a local classifieds website, I see a lot of lifted Can- Am with big tires on them, wonder why they're selling them?? Rarely do I see any stock Can-am atv for sale

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Sounds like a 500cc may meet your needs, you could also look at Can Am's "L" series, they come with a 5 year warranty, kinda hard to beat that. Lower priced then their regular offerings. they trade the plastic racks and the 260 watt headlight system for metal and 130 watt light system.
Good idea, recommending the L series, I was going to look at it 500 max L, but the dealer didn't have any. Hard to beat that five year warranty

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Take a close look at the COLOR of the engine. 99% of the machines on craigslist say they were "never in mud", yet the whole dam engine is golden brown from submerging it in muddy water. They must think people are stupid!

Like said above, people buy Can-am's for the big power to turn mud tires, so expect many of them to have been in deep! They usually sell them right after they swamp the engines.
I totally agree, I figured I would compression test anything I may buy used. I will also check the diffs if the owner lets me. In my experience, water usually shows itself even after a few flushes. I have not looked at how easy or hard the fill plugs and spark plugs are to excess yet.
Sounds like a 500cc may meet your needs, you could also look at Can Am's "L" series, they come with a 5 year warranty, kinda hard to beat that. Lower priced then their regular offerings. they trade the plastic racks and the 260 watt headlight system for metal and 130 watt light system.

I agree on the 500 choice, I actually test drove one. Unfortunately, the dealers I have price shopped did not come close to the cheap market price on the 500 L, $8500 minimum OTD; move up to a XT, $10,000. I was told they can't make any money at 6,999 and therefore the price is 7399.99 to start. I asked how they can justify that, and I was given the run around. Regardless, I would prefer the options of the XT package, it better suits my needs. The upgrades seem to be a no brainier to me. However, the 5 year warranty is very intriguing. I wonder what the 2016 model marketing will hold, sounds like info will be released soon.
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