Opinions on 2006 Argo Conquet (Valuation)

[Denton]

Looking at buying a 2006 Argo CONQUEST 8x8. It has almost 600 hours on it. New tires and comes with a snow plow. What would you say would be a fair price? Is 600 hours a lot for these machines? What things should I look for, any problematic common issues?

I have a 2000 Argo 6x6 that I just bought with less than 200 hours and I've been replacing the bearings on it. I love it but I would like an 8x8 for the room.
Thanks

[curtisbyrne]

check bearings and chains first so then if they are gone you know your gonna have to spend at least $1000 on it, 600 is not a lot,just make sure you ask if there was any problems and what was done on it in the past.conquests are good machines.as far as the price it depends on who is selling it,sometimes they go for anywhere between 1500-5000. all depends on who sells the Argo. if its a 2006 i belive it has the one piece steering instead of the 2 sticks,a;always wanted one like that! send some pictures if you can!

[AlaskaGrizzly]

If it has been maintained 600hrs is reasonable. I have two conquests with close to 400 and I have the same level of confidence in them as I did when they had 100 hrs or so on them. I bought them used. However, its because I've taken care of them. I think you can assume you'll need to replace some bearings at a minimum. Jack it up on both ends and feel for slop in the tires. Make sure the chains or not too tight before doing this. Super tight chains can hide bad bearings. Ask about the tranny. If it was used to plow then its been in and out of reverse a lot. Ask things like "Does it stay in gear when in reverse?". If it was shifted with the clutches spinning a lot it can mess up the shift gears. Worn reverse gears will pop out of gear and is a sign that you'll need to work on the tranny. Look at the oils. If its been taken care of they should look clean. If the owner is willing drain the tranny oil and inspect what is on the magnet that is on the drain plug. Also, how clean is the machine in the first place? If it looks clean then its likely taken care of. If it looks like it has 12 years of grease and debris in it then you know how it was treated for most of its life.