Any advice on buying used 2011 RZR?

Jorg Jorgenson

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Hey all,

Been loyal to the Poo brand all my life with sleds (yes, sometimes I ask myself why..) and recently came across a pretty decent deal on a used 2011 RZR 800s. Never owned a quad/side-by-side before but I'm also not clueless to toys, just hoping to get a little bit of insight as far as things I should expect/hidden gremlins, or maybe some things that you guys really enjoy about them!

The unit has 4200kms, second owner, has records of fluids in diff/engine/t-case being changed every 4-500kms including filter. Replaced all wheel bearings & a-arm bushings both front and back @ 3200kms. For aftermarkets, it's got JL marine speakers & LED light bar (both wired up to fuses inside the hood compartment for added protection). Snorkel Kit & diff bleed-offs (whatever they're called) routed up behind seats.

1. The wiring seems like a well-done install, my only concern is that the aux cord from the 4-channel amp supposedly touched the battery posts while charging one time and fried the wire back to the amp. There was a secondary aux inlet off the amp so the sound system still works.. I'm thinking I'd wanna replace the amp just to air on the side of caution since I've heard of some 'flammable' RZR's. Doesn't sound like the 11's were in that bad back but still worth replacing.

2. The snorkel kit is nice however I can't see myself ever having the desire to sink a machine worth thousands of dollars... engines and water don't mix. I'd just hope that the original owner had the same mind-set, any tell-tale signs of a unit that's been sunk before?

3. Original drive belt (at least the second over has never replaced) however it seems like the lifespan on SXS's are longer than sleds.. a lot of this does come down to driving style and belt break-in etc but was thinking good to replace and keep the original as a spare?

My only other concern would be the higher KM's, is there anything / any part that would soon be on it's way out the door at this high of mileage? Parts soon worth replacing?

Thanks guys, looking forward to possibly joining the RZR club!!

Jorg
 

neilsleder

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The snorkels are good, even if you don't plan to go deep sometimes it happens! Plus they let air in and out of the clutches a lot easier. Miles are high but if the maintenance is done right and often nothing to worry about. The 900 motor is good!
 

neilsleder

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I thought I read it was a 900! Yah the 800 isn't as nice as the 900. Personally wouldn't buy a 800!
 

rzrgade

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At that many k on the 800 chances are the motor is dusted ... 90%
Check inside the TB for dirt & dust ...
Too many k .....
 

arff

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the air filter was never sealed well on that model
 

Jorg Jorgenson

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Let water in Larry's!
I had read up on this too, thought it was fixes on the 11's but perhaps not from what you are saying. By 43200k's though you'd tihink there'd be an issue with the motor by now with dust or water infiltration.. it sounded good on start-up didn't have any immediate flaws or noises and sounded smooth on engagement.. I'll be taking it out for a more thorough test drive possibly later this week so could run it through the paces then.
 

Jorg Jorgenson

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At that many k on the 800 chances are the motor is dusted ... 90%
Check inside the TB for dirt & dust ...
Too many k .....

Is an RZR motor really only good for ~4000kms? Understandably so if it has not been maintained properly and driven hard, I get that, but I plan on putting a few hundred EASY km's on it trail riding around my lake every summer, no winter driving, and hence forth why I didn't feel the need for the longer suspension travel that the 900 offers.

I'll certainly be checking inside the TB for dirt & dust as you have suggested though.
 

LennyR

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all these expert opinions and nobody asks , How Much ? Lots of people have had a ton of fun for a long time on the Rzr 800's. To me , depends on the price, if its a good deal and fits your budget and gonna do what you want , check it out best you can, then if its ok, buy it.
 

imdoo'n

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Is an RZR motor really only good for ~4000kms? Understandably so if it has not been maintained properly and driven hard, I get that, but I plan on putting a few hundred EASY km's on it trail riding around my lake every summer, no winter driving, and hence forth why I didn't feel the need for the longer suspension travel that the 900 offers.

I'll certainly be checking inside the TB for dirt & dust as you have suggested though.

Lots out there with 10,000 kms, tex 78 has one, Close to 500,000kms

Sounds like the one you looked at was looked after, take it to a mechanic, have it pressure tested and s good mechanical check over. No air filter will seal out dust unless you put it back together properly. Overheating problems were due to guys not looking at temp gauge, kept running it and blamed polaris for there own stupidity!

Don't think anyone will tell you you will not have any problems, new machines are breaking down lots. 800 has good power, Sits a bit low in the mud, but an all round good machine
 

moyiesledhead

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It's the 800s which I thought was the more powerful, call it 'refined' engine compared to the regular 800.

Pretty sure it's the same engine in the RZR and RZR-S. S is wider and a little more suspension is all. I have a 2011 RZR-S and I'm very happy with it.
 

rzrgade

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Same engine , 11 & up is when they went with the cheap crappy axles ...
The 800 is reliable if it has had clean air ..
white paper towel in TB will give you a good indication .
Snorkels most likely means it's been in some mud ...
Price is your business ..
But a 4200k rzr with snorkels...
It better be a DEAL .....!
 

Jorg Jorgenson

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Same engine , 11 & up is when they went with the cheap crappy axles ...
The 800 is reliable if it has had clean air ..
white paper towel in TB will give you a good indication .
Snorkels most likely means it's been in some mud ...
Price is your business ..
But a 4200k rzr with snorkels...
It better be a DEAL .....!

Which components of the axle did they change to make them cheaper and crappier?


The frame was quite clean underneath and in all the open-ended components that make up the chassis no mud jammed way in there etc. If it had been driven in mud, then they at least did a great job in cleaning it up! hah
Price is favorable for my budget I was wanting to spend, with some float in there for buying another fluid change kit & drive belt etc. Also the new 4-channel amp for peace of mind.
I think I would take it to get a compression test done, would be good information to have and know where it stands. I'll be doing an engine on my RMK this year most likely so why not make it 2 if I have to!!:) (that was a joke, I'd really rather not...)
 
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