Argo Response 8x8 need help identifying year and condition of machine (what to check)

[spikedbat]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and new to argos. Picking one up within the next few weeks from a gentlemen I know. He is telling me the year is 2002, but really doesn't have any official ownership papers for the machine. He claims to have bought it new then.

It does have the model # and serial # plaque still intact. I took a picture of it when I went to check out the argo.

Model : V891-23
Serial # I could only make out some of the digits. 4B10640,
It has the 18hp Vanguard engine by B&S.IMG_3764.jpgIMG_3768.jpgIMG_3753.jpgIMG_3759.jpgIMG_3767.jpg

or it could be M410640 hard to say. I'll attach the pic I took so you can have a look.

Any help identifying this would be great. Also does anybody have any idea of things I should check before buying this Argo. He claims it only has about 60 hrs on it and wasn't used too much.

He had the roop/canopy custom built and also added tracks.
I believe most of what he says but always nice to have a look and check for yourself.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'm just outside Toronto. Think i'm getting a pretty good deal on this machine as his asking price was low as he isn't advertising the machine at all online.

Also since he does not have an official government ownership for this vehicle he said that by putting the safety triangle on the back it allowed him to be considered a slow moving vehicle and no plates were required. more of a question for people in Ontario, but do you have your ARgo's plated and registered?

[tattooman]

No advertising, no paperwork. Selling cheap. How well do you know this guy?

[spikedbat]

He has receipts. Well enough to not worry just want to know if i'm buying an 2002 as he says or if its from the early 90s. Also would like to know what to look closely at.

Some people are old and dont use computeres and don't really care much about selling items. I got lucky running into his son and it was mentioned to me.

[spikedbat]

Based on the pics what would you guys say its worth, if it is in great condition with low (60 hrs) with tracks etc...

[Dan67]

The model number V891-23 is for an Argo Magnum 8x8. I see what looks like a "K" in the serial number. The Argo Magnum serial numbers start with "NKB" or "NK"The magnums had Kohler M18 engines, not briggs. The body is definitely an Argo response. Responce model numbers are V899-65 and serial numbers start with "RB". Looks very fishy to me.. makes me wonder if if was not stolen and tagged a magnum to get it registered. I'd be concerned at this point, and not make a hasty decision to buy it.

[bwcracing]

Take the vin to the mto and buy the used vehicle package so you know whats going on with it. looks like a vangard 2 . in ontario my guess would be 4000-5000 bucks.

pull the floor out and the front firewall cover .check the chains and bearings and see if the frame is rotted or bent

[Insomniac]

I would say by the model # it was made in 1991 the 8 stands for 8 wheels and the next two digits are the year it was made. Also the tracks on it are from that time period.

[spikedbat]

I've emailed Argo, they need a complete serial # to track down the info.

It all does sound fishy, but it is definitely a Response based on the body and engine. it has the 18hp Briggs & Strat Vanguard.
He bought it brand new from a dealer and has a receipt but claims that it's not registered or plated. He says that by putting the slow moving vehicle triangle on the back he wasn't required to plate or insure the Argo.

Either way I will review the # with the mto before purchasing just wanted to get some feedback on if it actually is a 2002 Response. I guess my half serial # just confused things more. lol

In ontario you are saying it's only worth $4-5k in great condition with tracks and canopy? Geez, he is asking more than that for it and I see them listed for almost double that in ontario on kijiji. Only argo's selling in that price range are from the 80s that i can find maybe few from early 90s

[bwcracing]

The ownership will make it worth alot more. theres a 97 6x6 vangard 2 like mine on kijiji with tracks for 4000 . I got mine with ownership tracks and some other stuff for less then that .

[wildbill335]

I have an old 80`s style I pulled from a farm field no name plate or numbers on the machine at all except on the transmission. I called ODG and went to agro dealer they were both able to tell me make model and year from my serial number that was on my transmission might be worth a shot.