Can-Am Outlander Buyer's Guide: What to Check on a Used Quad
The Outlander is one of the most common utility quads on NZ farms, and for good reason. Here's what to actually check before buying a used one.
Why the Outlander is so popular
It's built specifically for work and all-round riding, with racks front and back for carrying gear, and selectable four-wheel drive on most models for genuine traction in wet or hilly conditions. That combination of utility and capability is exactly why it's such a common sight on Waikato farms and lifestyle blocks.
Check the 4WD system and diff lock
Engage 4WD and, if fitted, the diff lock, and confirm both actually work rather than just clicking in — a quad that's spent its life in 2WD can hide a 4WD system that's seized or never been used, which may or may not reveal itself immediately. If the seller lets you test drive on uneven ground, that's the best way to confirm it's genuinely working.
CV boots
Check all CV boots (the rubber gaiters over the drive joints) for splits or tears — a split boot lets dirt and water into the joint, which wears it out fast and can be an expensive fix if caught late. This is one of the cheaper, easier pre-purchase checks that catches a genuinely costly problem.
Wheel bearings and steering
With the quad on a stand or jacked up, check for play in each wheel by rocking it, and check the steering for looseness or excessive free play — both wear faster on a quad that's done serious farm work than one used gently.
Brakes and tyres
Both take a real beating on a working quad — check brake pad thickness and that both front and rear brakes engage firmly, and look at tyre tread and sidewall condition, since farm use is hard on both.
Ask how it's actually been used
A quad used for gentle lifestyle-block riding wears very differently from one that's done years of heavy towing, spraying or stock work — ask directly, since the answer affects what to expect from the drivetrain and suspension even at similar hours or age.
Buy one already checked
Every quad we sell goes through our own workshop before it's listed, and we're happy to talk you through exactly what we found. See our used Can-Am stock, or browse all our quads. Finance is available through our partner lenders, and we take trade-ins — see Sell Us Your Bike.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check on a used Can-Am Outlander?
4WD and diff lock engagement, CV boot condition, wheel bearing and steering play, and brake and tyre condition are the key checks, alongside asking how hard it's actually been worked.
Is the Can-Am Outlander good for farm work?
Yes — it's built specifically for utility use, with gear racks and selectable four-wheel drive, which is why it's so common on NZ farms and lifestyle blocks.
How do I check CV boots on a used quad?
Look for splits or tears in the rubber gaiters over the drive joints. A split boot lets in dirt and water, which wears the joint out faster and can be costly to fix if caught late.
Have ShowShed's used Can-Am quads been checked?
Yes, every quad we sell goes through our own workshop before it's listed, and we're happy to talk you through exactly what we found.