Pre Owned Can Am Outlander – The Ultimate Inspection Checklist

Dreaming of hitting the trails on a legendary Can-Am Outlander but the brand-new sticker price makes you wince? You’re not alone. The power, comfort, and capability of an Outlander are a major draw, but dropping five figures on a new machine isn’t always in the cards.

This is where the savvy rider looks to the used market. But buying a pre owned can am outlander can feel like navigating a minefield. Is it a well-maintained gem or a thrashed money pit waiting to explode?

I promise this guide is your expert roadmap. We’ve been wrenching on and riding these machines for years at FatBoysOffroad, and we’re here to walk you through the entire process. You’ll learn the real benefits of buying used, the critical red flags to spot, a bumper-to-bumper inspection checklist, and the best practices for caring for your new-to-you rig.

Why a Pre Owned Can-Am Outlander is a Smart Move for Trail Warriors

Let’s get one thing straight: buying used isn’t about being cheap; it’s about being smart. The benefits of pre owned can am outlander ownership go way beyond just the initial price tag.

First, you skip the steepest part of the depreciation curve. The original owner took that massive financial hit the second they drove it off the lot. You get a machine with most of its life left for a fraction of the cost.

Second, the previous owner may have already installed valuable upgrades. Things like a winch, upgraded tires, skid plates, or a light bar can save you thousands of dollars in aftermarket parts and installation labor.

Finally, choosing a used machine is a great example of being a sustainable pre owned can am outlander owner. You’re giving a perfectly capable ATV a second life, reducing waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing a new one. It’s an eco-friendly choice that also saves you cash.

The Red Flags: Common Problems with Pre Owned Can-Am Outlander Models

No machine is perfect, and Outlanders have their own set of common issues, especially when they haven’t been cared for. Knowing these potential trouble spots is your best defense. This is where you put on your detective hat before you ever pull out your wallet.

Frame, Suspension, and Steering Woes

The frame is the backbone of your ATV. A tweaked frame is a deal-breaker. Get down on your hands and knees and look for cracked paint near the welds, especially around the A-arm mounts and engine cradle. This can indicate a frame that’s been stressed or bent.

Grab the front and rear racks and try to shake the machine side-to-side. Listen and feel for clunks. Then, grab each tire at the top and bottom and try to wiggle it. Any significant play could mean worn-out wheel bearings or ball joints. Worn A-arm bushings are also a common wear item.

Engine & Drivetrain Gremlins

Can-Am’s Rotax engines are generally stout, but neglect can kill any motor. Ask the owner to start it cold for you. Watch for blue smoke, which can signal worn valve seals or piston rings. Listen for any deep knocking or ticking sounds.

A big area of concern is the CVT clutch system. On your test ride, pay attention to how it engages. It should be smooth. Any jerking, slipping, or grinding noises could mean a worn drive belt or, worse, damaged clutch components, which can be a pricey fix.

Don’t forget the differentials. Check for any leaks around the seals. During the test ride, listen for whining or grinding noises, which could indicate failing bearings or gears inside the diff.

Electrical Nightmares

Modern ATVs have complex electrical systems. The biggest issue we see is shoddy wiring from poorly installed accessories. Look for a rat’s nest of wires, excessive use of electrical tape instead of proper connectors, and wires rubbing against the frame.

Turn the key on and check that the digital display is working correctly with no persistent error codes. Test every single light and switch—headlights (high and low beam), taillights, brake lights, and the 4WD selector switch.

Your Ultimate Pre Owned Can-Am Outlander Inspection Guide

Alright, it’s go-time. This is your comprehensive checklist. Don’t be shy about spending a good 30-45 minutes going over the machine. A thorough inspection now saves you headaches and money later. This is how to pre owned can am outlander inspect like a pro.

Do Your Homework: Before you go, research the specific year and model. Ask the seller for the VIN so you can run a history check. Ask them directly about maintenance history, any known problems, and why they’re selling.
The Cold Walk-Around: This is your first impression, done before the engine is ever started.
- Frame Check: Look for those cracks, bends, and any non-factory welds. Check the undercarriage for deep gouges or dents in the frame rails.
- Plastics & Body: Scratches are normal. Deep cracks, missing pieces, or mismatched colored panels suggest it’s been in a serious wreck.
- Tires & Wheels: Check for decent tread life, look for plugs in the tires, and inspect the wheel rims for major dents or cracks.
- Suspension & Steering: Perform the wiggle tests mentioned above on the wheels and A-arms. Check the CV boots on the axles for rips or tears. Leaking grease means dirt and water have gotten in.
- Fluid Check: Pull the engine oil dipstick. It should look like clean oil, not a milky coffee color (which indicates water/coolant in the oil). Check coolant and brake fluid levels.
The All-Important Test Ride: If you’re not comfortable, don’t ride it. But if everything else checks out, a test ride is non-negotiable.
- Starting Up: Listen for how easily it starts from cold.
- Engine & Transmission: Accelerate smoothly. It shouldn’t hesitate or sputter. Run it through High, Low, Neutral, and Reverse to ensure smooth shifting.
- 4WD System: Find a patch of gravel or dirt. Come to a stop, engage 4WD, and drive forward. You should feel it engage. Do some slow, tight turns and feel for how the Visco-Lok front differential works. It should transfer power smoothly without loud clunks or binding. Then, disengage it and ensure it returns to 2WD.
- Brakes: Test both front and rear brakes independently. They should feel firm and bring the machine to a stop without grinding or pulling violently to one side.
- Listen for Noises: Pay attention to any new clunks, whines, or rattles that appear when the machine is in motion.

Best Practices for Your “New-to-You” Ride: A Pre Owned Can-Am Outlander Care Guide

Congratulations, you found a great machine and brought it home! Your work isn’t over. The first thing you should do is establish a new maintenance baseline. This ensures you know exactly where everything stands and sets you up for reliability down the road.

Perform a “Baseline Zero” Service

Don’t trust that the previous owner just did the maintenance. Assume nothing. Your first weekend with the ATV should involve a full fluid change. This is one of the most important pre owned can am outlander tips we can give.

Engine Oil & Filter: This is the lifeblood. Use a quality oil like XPS Synthetic Blend Oil and a new filter.
Differential Fluids: Drain and refill both the front and rear differentials with the correct gear oil.
Coolant: Drain the old coolant and refill with a fresh 50/50 mix.
Brake Fluid: Bleed the brakes with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid for a firm lever feel and maximum stopping power.

Inspect and Replace Key Wear Items

Now is the time to check the items that wear out with use. Pull the air filter and clean or replace it. A clogged air filter robs power and efficiency. Check the spark plug for wear and proper gap. Inspect the brake pads for thickness and the CVT drive belt for cracks or glazing.

The Eco-Friendly Rider: Sustainable Pre Owned Can-Am Outlander Ownership

Being a responsible rider extends to our environment. As mentioned, buying used is a great first step. You can continue this eco-friendly approach by using biodegradable cleaners and lubricants when possible.

When you’re out on the trail, always practice “Tread Lightly!” principles. Stay on designated trails, avoid sensitive areas, and pack out everything you pack in. A well-maintained, eco-friendly pre owned can am outlander is not only reliable but also a testament to responsible off-roading.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Pre Owned Can-Am Outlander

How many hours is “too many” on a used Outlander?

There’s no magic number, as maintenance is far more important than hours. A well-maintained machine with 300 hours can be in better shape than a neglected one with 100. However, once you get over 250-300 hours or 3,000 miles, you should expect to be replacing wear items like bushings, bearings, and ball joints soon if they haven’t been already.

Are Can-Am Outlanders expensive to maintain?

OEM parts can be more expensive than some Japanese brands, but the aftermarket support is massive. By doing your own basic maintenance—like oil changes and filter cleanings—you can save a tremendous amount of money. They are very reliable machines if you stick to the service schedule.

What is the single biggest mistake people make when buying a used ATV?

The biggest mistake is falling in love with a shiny machine and skipping the detailed inspection and test ride. Cosmetic flaws can be fixed, but a bent frame, a failing engine, or a bad transmission can cost you thousands. Be methodical and let your head, not your heart, make the final decision.

Finding a great pre owned can am outlander is absolutely achievable with a little patience and the right knowledge. By following this guide, you can confidently sort the gems from the junk and find a machine that will provide years of thrilling trail adventures.

Now you’ve got the playbook. Go find that perfect rig, do your checks, and get ready to ride. Stay safe out there, and happy trails from all of us at FatBoysOffroad!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.