Old Argo value?

[Tremmorkeep]

My neighbor has an orange 8x8 argo he says has a kohler 440 in it. Its been sitting for about 10-15 years. Its going to need new tires and who knows what else. It ran when he parked it last (according to him). We're trying to figure out what a fair value is on it (I've loved amphibious vehicles since I was a kid). He says this one has a bench seat in the front, gas tank is under the front seat, and 2 benches in the back. Its all covered up so I havent had a look. Is there any idea what the value of something like this would be?

[curtisbyrne]

take a look take some pics and we will see.

[Tremmorkeep]

I'm not sure he'll let me uncover it. I'll snap what I can of it and post them tonight. I dont know what year...the headlinghts are little round ones about 3". Silver rail around the back..

[Tremmorkeep]

tires look to be 700$ for a new set...so I'm thinking it cant be worth more than a couple hundred bucks...but thats just a guess.

[dirtdobber]

I'm not sure he'll let me uncover it

Your neighbor wants to come up with a fair price, yet he might not let you uncover it? Sounds odd, unless there's more to the story.

[Tremmorkeep]

The 'more to the story' is he's not sure he wants to let it go...and if he doesnt, then he doesnt want to mess with it. I've known him a while....he's got about 8 projects he's also going to fix up 'someday'. So its one of those that he may let it go....(probably depending on the price) or he might not, in which case he just wants to leave it covered up with the tarp...and then boards on top of the tarp. its not a simple matter of uncovering it as it is 'digging it out'. For my part...its got to be cheap with a near 700$ just for tires at this point....Anyone have ideas on year or value? My best guess is that its a 71 Argo 8 based on what I can find. I've not found any values for that though.

[ARGOJIM]

Value would be more opinion than market on this, for instance I learned to drive on a 76 440 8 wheeler ( probably not what a 12 year old learn to dive on, or drive) so one would be worth more to me than a few friendly members on here.

I'd imagine a 71 hard bodied 2 stroke survivor is pretty rare now days.

45 mph was a chore to handle in them.

[Tremmorkeep]

my guess is a 71. I'll get some pix tonight after work that I can see and maybe somoene here can identify it. I've always loved them. I'd love to fix it up but the Goodyear Muck...something tires looked to be 80$ per tire, x8 tires...its got an ODG in the grill in the front...it looks like the rear has a cutaway for an outboard or trolling motor. I'll get pix and see what can be discovered about it. I'd love to have it to work on with my boy and have it to knock around with my family. I have kids 8, 6, 4, and 2.... Hopefully they can all fit in the back I will say that I'd be excited to join the amphib community. I've always wanted one.

If I do get it...I'm going to live in the forums...because I've never owned one...never worked on one...and I expect its going to need a LOT of love.

[Tremmorkeep]

[Gras]

I picked up a 1987 8x8 a few years back in similar shape. I ended up putting new tires, new chains, a new battery, fuel pump, and a few other misc. things. I bought it from a neighbor also and paid $350 for it. But it also came with super tracks. I spent many hours on the forum learning about it and I'm glad I did as I learned how to repair it inside out. If you can get it for a couple hundred bucks it would be worth it. Have fun. Your patience will be tested.

[dirtdobber]

Tremmor,
I am a new AATV owner and I can assure you they are a blast. But, you need to fully evaluate what you are getting into, because that $700 for a set of tires could be the tip of the iceberg. You really need to see inside that machine because it looks like for the 10-15 years its been sitting it has been taking on water (unless its under a cover). If the tub is holding water you could have significant repairs/replacement with chains, sprockets, idlers, bearings, frame, and so on. I"m not trying to discourage you........just trying to give you a dose of reality.

There's nothing but help on this site, and it's kind of like Home Depot.....you can do it, we can help!

[Tremmorkeep]

Yes...pass this around. I really need to find out what year it is if I can.

[Tremmorkeep]

I've always loved amphibs....but new ones are too much $$ for this dad of 4. There's a chance he'll give it to me for a little help in his yard and helping him get his old truck running...that'd be ideal. I need to see what the costs of chains are and stuff. If its going to approach the cost of a newer one..then I'd definitely go that route. But I think to get accurate costs I need to find out what year this beast is

[Canadian_Zuk]

That looks pretty clean from what I can see. I personally would try to seat the beads on those tires and put some slime in them if they aren't too dry rotted, they look like they have plenty of tread. As long as you can get them to hold air so you can roll it around and take it for a test drive here and there while you get the Argo in order they'll work fine. That will save you a significant amount of coin up front that you may need for bearings, chains, belt, etc.. If your patient and scour Kijiji and forum ads, you'll be able to find a set of excellent used tires from someone who went bigger or wider for a fraction of the cost of new. You won't know what it needs until you start digging into it, you can get an idea of it condition by lifting the floor pans and visually inspecting the chains, sprockets and axles. If it all looks like rusty ass chances are you'll be spending a bit to get going. This isn't really a bad thing as almost everything that could need replacing should be replaced periodically during the normal course of operation and routine maintenance. I generally assume older machines need bearings and chains and would want to replace them anyway for piece of mind, if they turn out to be in good usable shape then it's a bonus. Be carful with your budget, it's easy to overspend when your getting your feet wet in a new hobby. I start with the motor, clutches, belt, tranny then if everything checks out I will move onto the sprockets, chains and bearings. By the time you get all that sorted out hopefully you've zeroed in on a set tires

Good luck and keep us posted.

[ve1sar]

Hi, I don't know if you have purchased the Argo or not but I would not pay much for it. I don't want to insult you but from what I see just in the pictures I would turn around and run away from that Argo as fast as you can and not look back.
That Argo is a vast money pit. you don't know if the engine or the transmission is any good for starters. There could be water in the engine or the transmission. The Argo has been stored out doors an has been sort of covered over. I would guess by looking at the pictures it is full of water. The water will cause you to by all new chains because they will be seized up. You will need all new bearings, axles. and seals and sprockets. Because it most likely has water in it, the frame is most likely rotten. You will need new tires and rims. What I have said here is just the beginning for you. I you are looking to purchased a used Argo buy one that is 1990 an up. Sorry if I may have insulted you. Just trying to save money for you Good luck. Paul