ATVs
New or Used ATV in Quebec: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
By the Groupe Contant Team · Published July 8, 2026
Quick Answer
Should you buy a new or used ATV in Quebec?
A new ATV comes with the manufacturer's warranty, the latest technology, and no unknown history — ideal if your budget allows it. A used ATV can save you 30–50%, but needs a thorough mechanical inspection first. For a beginner, a certified used unit in good condition is often the best place to start.
Thinking about buying an ATV in Quebec but torn between new and used? It's one of the questions our advisors at Groupe Contant hear most often. The right answer depends on a few things: your budget, your experience level, and how you actually plan to use the vehicle.
In this guide, we cover the pros and cons of each option, what to check before buying used, and how to make the right call for your situation — whether you're shopping at Groupe Contant or elsewhere.
The Benefits of a New ATV
- Manufacturer warranty included — A new ATV is covered by the manufacturer's limited warranty, typically 12 months and extendable, on Can-Am and Honda models. Extended warranties are available directly through your Groupe Contant dealership.
- Up-to-date technology and features — 2026 models bring real improvements: more precise electronic fuel injection, upgraded traction systems, and better ride comfort.
- Better financing options — New ATVs often qualify for manufacturer promotional rates (BRP, Honda). Those offers generally don't apply to used vehicles.
The Benefits of a Used ATV
- Lower purchase price — An ATV loses a significant chunk of value the moment it leaves the dealership. A one- or two-year-old model can often be found for 30–50% less than new, at a reasonable mileage.
- Less depreciation to absorb — A used-ATV buyer skips the steepest initial depreciation. If you resell after 2 years, your loss in value will be proportionally smaller than with a new unit.
- A smart way to start — A beginner still learning to handle an ATV is more likely to put a few scratches on it. Starting with a used model in good condition lets you build experience without risking a top-of-the-line machine.
Comparison Table: New vs. Used
| Criteria | New ATV | Used ATV |
|---|---|---|
| Average price | $10,000 – $22,000 | $5,000 – $14,000 |
| Warranty | Included (12 months, extendable) | None (unless certified) |
| History | Nothing unknown | Needs verification |
| Financing rates | Promotional rates available | Standard rates |
| Depreciation | Steep at purchase | Already absorbed |
| Best for | Regular rider | Beginner / tighter budget |
What to Check Before Buying a Used ATV
- Engine hours (ideally under 300 h for a recent model)
- Brakes, suspension, and tires inspected
- Frame checked for impact marks or repair welds
- Service history (dealer-recorded maintenance)
- A trail demo ride may be possible during the location's annual Can-Am demo day (current-year demo-stock models only)
- Your own legal compliance before you ride: a valid driver's license is required from age 18, and the ATV competency certificate is also needed if you're 16 or 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
A new ATV comes with the manufacturer's warranty, the latest technology, and no unknown history — ideal if your budget allows it. A used ATV can save you 30–50%, but needs a thorough mechanical inspection first. For a beginner, a certified used unit in good condition is often the best place to start.
Yes. Several financial institutions and dealers like Groupe Contant offer financing on used vehicles. Rates vary based on your credit profile and the vehicle's age.
Yes. Since the reform of Quebec's Off-Highway Vehicles Act, a valid driver's license (even a learner's or probationary one) is required from age 18 to ride official trails, regardless of where you're riding. Riders aged 16 and 17 must also hold the ATV competency certificate issued by the Fédération québécoise des clubs quads (FQCQ). A minimum $1,000,000 civil liability insurance policy is also mandatory for every ATV owner — see the SAAQ's website for the full detail.
Between $200 and $600 per year depending on the model, your profile, and your insurer. At least $1,000,000 in civil liability insurance is mandatory for every ATV owner, regardless of where you ride — not just on public roads — see our full ATV insurance guide for the breakdown by profile.
A well-maintained ATV can easily exceed 10,000–15,000 km, which typically works out to several hundred up to around 1,000 hours of engine time for a typical recreational rider (50–150 hours per year). Models like the Can-Am Outlander or Honda Foreman are known for their long service life with regular maintenance.
Yes. Groupe Contant offers used vehicles inspected by our technicians. Browse our online inventory or visit one of our locations.
Groupe Contant — Your Quebec Dealer
Our Groupe Contant advisors help you find the right ATV — new or used — for your budget and how you'll ride, at any of our 5 Quebec locations.