I'm looking at a 2018 RZR 900 with 5,000 miles on it. The seller says it runs well, but I've heard mixed things about Polaris high-mileage machines. I mostly trail ride and don't want something that's going to nickel-and-dime me. Is 5,000 miles a lot for these? What should I look out for?
what is a lot of miles for a rzr
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5k miles on a RZR is not bad if it's been maintained. I've seen them go 10k+ with regular oil changes and belt service. Check the clutches and bearings. Those wear out faster than the engine.
Depends on how those miles were put on. Mud riding and hard trail abuse can double the wear. Ask about belt changes and if the diff fluids have been done. If it's all street miles, 5k is nothing.
I'd be more concerned about the year than the miles. 2018 models had some electrical gremlins. Check for corrosion at connectors and the ECU. A bike with 3k but sitting outside can be worse.
For a 900, 5k is moderate. The engine is solid but the suspension arms and tie rods wear. If it hasn't been greased regularly, plan on replacing some bushings. Budget a few hundred for that.
I bought a 2017 RZR 1000 with 6,500 miles. It's been reliable after I replaced the clutches and did a full fluid flush. Miles alone aren't the issue; it's the condition of the CVT components.
That's a lot of miles for a recreational machine. Most people only put 1-2k per year. At 5k, you're close to needing a top-end rebuild if it wasn't well maintained. I'd pass unless it's cheap.
Disagree with the last guy. 5k on a 900 isn't even broken in. These engines are made to last. The weak point is the transmission. Listen for whining in high gear. If quiet, buy it.
Always check the VIN and service history. A 2018 with 5k that has receipts for clutch and belt work is better than a 2020 with 1k that was abused. Look at the frame for cracks near the suspension mounts.
I've got a 2016 Ranger with 12k. My buddy's RZR had 8k before he sold it. 5k is fine for a toy. But factor in new tires and a battery soon. Those cost a few hundred.
The real mileage concern is hours vs miles. If they idled a lot, the engine has more wear. Ask for hours. A machine with 5k miles and 200 hours is different than one with 500 hours.
Personally, I think 5k is the sweet spot. The first owner absorbed the depreciation, and you get a machine that's still got life. Just do a compression test before buying. Should be over 120 psi.
I'd check the belt for delamination. If it's original at 5k, it's overdue. Also look at the clutch sheaves for glazing. That's a $400 fix if they're worn out. Plan for it.
Don't forget about the wheel bearings. RZRs eat them. Jack up each corner and feel for play. If they're loose, that's a negotiation point. Expect to spend $200 on a set.
Another thing: the shocks. If they're original, they'll be tired at 5k. Rebuilding is $100 per shock. But if the bike sits low in the front, the springs may be sagging too.
For buying advice: always take a used RZR for a test ride. Drive it in high range and low range. Listen for knocking. A good engine will sound quiet. A bad one will have a tick.
I'd avoid any RZR with over 4k miles unless it's priced at least 30% under retail. The hidden costs add up. Already had to do a clutch and a pump on mine at 4,500 miles.
The biggest thing is proof of oil changes. If they used cheap oil or went 100 hours between changes, that engine is worn. Ask for receipts or oil change stickers.
I've seen RZRs with 6k miles that look like new because the owner was OCD about maintenance. The opposite is also true. Miles mean nothing without service records.
Before you buy, join a Polaris forum and run the VIN. Someone might have documented issues. Also check if the recall for the fuel pump was done on your model year.
If you're not mechanically inclined, budget $1,000 for immediate maintenance on a 5k-mile RZR. That's belts, fluids, bearings, and plugs. If it passes that, it'll be solid for another 5k.