By Mark on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I found an 89 magnum Argo with the 18hp Kohler engine and hydraulic brakes. I would like to use this machine year round, with tracks in the winter. Are there any shortcomings I should be aware of with this machine. Is this model fairly durable? I can pick it up for $4500 canadian. Is this a good price for this machine in good shape?

By roadwolf on Unrecorded Date: Edit

mark, the argo has an open differental, which means it will get stuck easier. it skids steers by only using the brake, but it is a sturdy vehicle.

i would consider buying a max. it has all wheel drive transmission (T20), a neutral and a brake for steering. the max is a all around better machine dollar for dollar, U.S or Canadian bills.

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

mark,
How many hours does it have on it? check the bearings and sprockets, chains, how much are they stretched?
If the motor runs solid and the drive train is in good shape it in my opinion is worth between 3500 and 5000 dollars american. I dont know how much 4500 canadian money amounts to in american cash.
I would also find out if this is a one owner machine and find out the kind of people who drove it and find out if it was serviced on a regular basis. You can tell a well taken care of machine from a good over all inspection and a good drive of it, Most of the time.
Also, how many options are on it? winch? tracks? etc. etc.

By Mark on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I haven't looked at it yet, but the guy that owns it, says it has a winch, home made boat rack and enclosure. He has half tracks on it (centre 2 wheels on each side) He has owned it since new and has had 2 other Argos before this one. He only used it for hunting and fishing and hasn't used it for a couple years, due to health reasons. I will try and look at it today.

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

mark,
I dont get into the max argo war but I have never got stuck were a max could go through. the tranny is an differential but I never seem to notice it as much as a max owner thinks I do. the t-20 is a maintence headache and if you read this page enough you will see that when it comes to transmission problems the t 20 steals the show.
I will also mention that argos have sealed bearings. I once test drove a new max in michigan and was in the water/lake for 15 minutes. when I came out their was 1/8 in of water in the bottom of the machine. My bigfoot which has the same bearings and seals as the machine you are looking at at 350 hours of hard abusive riding on it and i can float all day long and not get a bit of water on the inside.
lastly, you are looking to buy an eight wheeler if I am not mistaken. no machine can haul more people and gear than argos 8. It is in a league of its own.
Test drive any vehicle you are going to buy and make sure you, not someone else is happy with it, its your money.

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

mark,
also, dollar for dollar your best bet is an argo, look at the classifieds and you will see what i mean. a new bigfoot is 8000,00 and the max with the same motor is 8500.00. new or used for resale and investment an argo is your best dollar for dollar machine.

By Douglas MacCullagh (Dougmac) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Roadwolf,
I don't understand your comment about Argos getting stuck more easily. I have owned a Vanguard2 and a Response. When I get into the slop, I usually end up with one side on better ground than the other. The tranny feels the better traction as drag, and a bit more power goes to the side in the goo. The result is a small turn towards the better traction. The ONLY time I've gotten stuck was when I went straight into thick, goopy mud and the machine tried to float in the glop. No traction at all. That mud would even stop a Max. How much experience do you have with both the Max & Argo? Please unpack your statement.

By bigkodiak on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Not trying to stir up this age old arguement, but I have an Argo Bigfoot, and my buddy has a Max II with the same engine. We went for a ride together last weekend, we both went places the other went...Slop, dry, rocks, sand, and dirt. neither of us went where the other couldn't. The only physical difference we noticed was the max II was faster on the flat straight away, we attributed this to the machine weight difference. my machine dry weighs 910 lbs, his only weighs 700. Going down steep inclines, the Argo was better because of the low gear. We both love our machines, and we don't care that they are different...Thats what makes the world go 'round. Machine type is purely personal preference.

By Doug Barker on Unrecorded Date: Edit

bigkodiak
AMEN BROTHER !
MY SENTIMENT EXACTLY !

(unless your talking about which is a better machine...then its an Argo)

By pete6x6 on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Doug,

I personally like ARGO better. A 6x6 is not a drag race machine it's made to go where other machines can't. Thus the tougher it is the better. Argo is by far tougher than a max and always will be. But If you want my personal opinion :) ATTEX was and still is the best hands down!

By liflod (Liflod) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

How does a MAX or an ARGO compare to my ATTEX? I have a 440 Thunderchief and over all it runs really well.I have never driven another 6x6 so all of my experience has been with the ATTEX. Do the newer machines run as good as the older 2 strokes? I know the top speed is less on a newer machine. Can someone who has owned both of them tell me how they compare.

By Mark on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I looked at the 89 Argo. It has 498 hours on it. The chains and bearings were replaced a couple years ago, but due to poor storage, they were rusting up. The machine has a poorly made rack and enclosure made out of 1" square tubing and 1/2' plywood. This Argo looks pretty rough, and appears that it was not maintained very well, but it seems to run good. I'm pretty sure after seeing the machine and talking to the owner, I could have picked it up for $4000 cdn.

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

How much is that in american $ ? That machine sounds pretty rough. from what you said mark, I wouldn't pay more than 2000.00 for it.

By Doug Barker on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mark,
How can you be sure the hours stated are actual?
Since its sounds like its in quite rough condition, I'd keep looking.
There are several Argos in the classified section of this site and some that come up for auction on Ebay.

By bugaboo on Unrecorded Date: Edit

After wanting an Argo for many years I bought a 2000 Bigfoot this year and am glad I waited. They have improved them so much over the years especially with the four stroke engine. I find they hold their value very well and if I were you I would spend the extra money and buy new. I paid around 11,000 canadian for mine with taxes and even though it is more than I hoped to pay, I did not buy some one elses problem.

By Mark on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I have decided to look for other Argo's in better shape than the 89 I described. I have found a really nice 99 Conquest with supertracks, windshield, canvas enclosure, boat rack, 180 hrs, etc. but I can't afford to pay $14400 cnd for it. That same setup new would cost about $20000 with tax. (just multiply cnd$ by .7 to convert to American $)

By lazerman on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Mark
If you'll go to the classified section on this site you'll see my Max II for sale. I'm only asking $4,200.00 for it and it still has a year and three months warranty left on the motor and three months on the rest of the machine. If you like I can send you more photos. Selling due to my bad back. In fact I just got back from the doctors. Let me know.
Brad
brad_dunn@altavista.com

By argogeru on Unrecorded Date: Edit

mark,
argos hold their value pretty well, but if you shop around you can find a reasonable priced machine with several options already on it. I personaly wouldn't worry about tracks, depending on were you live, because they are only good for snow, and mud if that is the only thing you are riding in. if you have a long ride to get to the mud they are not worth the time and beating they put on your machine. the top and windshield are a very desirable option along with a winch, and many used machines have these options on them. Good luck on puchasing the best aatv made.

By 6x6 guy on Unrecorded Date: Edit

It really doesn't matter which one you buy, or baught,because they all are great. I will agree that they T-20 might be better, but it doesn't matter, just as long as your money doesn't go on a worthless quad.