Is this a good buy? 99 Conquest $7,000

[bloodvette]

I may be purchasing this argo, the owner wants $7,000 (canadian) firm. I was there today to look at it and I took some pics. it looks somewhat unmaintained but I am a handyman and I can replace bearings, tires and other minor things, infact I invite it- to save me money becuase mechanics is a hobby of mine. The owner says he made sure he did regular engine oil changes but it looks like he neglected to keep it clean and grease the bearings becuase he said he's had to replace 6 bearings, but no chains. The machine has been gone over and he says it does not need any bearings or chains replacced at this point. It is grimey inside, but it only has 145 hours and he seems honest in that the hours are accurate. I test drove it and it seemed fine. 2 tires leak so we pumped them up for the test drive. I was actually quite impressed. first argo I have driven. the tracks are quite chewed up but holding together and it doesn't look like any segments have been replaced- they all look the same age/wear. 4 additional track links and 2 spare drive belts included. unit has bilge pump and winch. the tires themselves look like theres been a few patches and some wear. I am expecting to replace the tires. It has a bracket for an outboard motor. he says he had a 7HP outboard and theres a fuel line tapping into the tank and run to the back- for this (now removed) outboard motor. the engine bay also very grimey and i didn't get a picture of it, but the transmission and surrounding area, also very oiley and grimey. The headlights, cooling fan (which is switch operated), the bilge pump, and the choke all work... however I'm not to sure what the remaining controls on the dashboard do. I have to admit I want it- it starts up and runs great. decent argo's are quite hard to come by in this area and one at this price range is most certainly in need of work. Do you guys think I should take this machine. I promised him I would let him know first thing in the morning. here are some of the pics I took.

[bloodvette]

Does anyone know what the model# and S/N denotes? is it infact a 99 and does that info tell anything?

[bloodvette]

I noticed that some track segments are different, they look different than other segments in the pictures. is that reason for concern? buddy also told me he was trying to put in 1/2 links to tighten the chains but he couldn't fit them in- too tight. is that not a no-no. just seems to me that if you change the number of chain links, that you are changing the ratio and your wheels would turn at different rates. wouldn't the track eventually have to slip for that wheel? can anyone clarify?

[bloodvette]

Just realized it's a response not a conquest. Seller advertised it as a conquest... hmmm

[coosaridgerider]

I think the max4 not argo on ebay would be a better deal for the money,Very nice and looks like it's been well taken care of.Just my opinion.

[alaskacody]

if the seller is telling you that is a conquest then he is pulling your leg or he dont know what he's got that dosent look like my conquest at all the conquest is water cooled that is not that is a lot of money for a Respond's jest my oponion

[Rock Doctor]

IMHO, that's not a great price........

As for the half links, if your chain is worn enough to pull a link and replace it with a halflink, it's time to change the chains (again, that's only my opinion)
Adding a halflink will not change anything as far as ratio, one revolution of a sprocket will still be one revolution of a sprocket regardless of how long or short the chain is. But if the chain was streatched enough that you need to put in a half link, your chains will start to wear on the leading edge of your sprocket teeth. Much cheaper to just replace the chains.

Hope that helps

RD

[Roger S]

That thing needs chain.. the pic of the rear chain shows it's stretched and sloppy. The response looks like it sat with water as rusty as the floor plate is.. I would look for something better taken care of, kept out of the weather and not let stand with water in it.

[B.A.]

walked away

A friend looked at it noon Saturday and walked. In mint condition 7 grand is probably on the high end. Mint condition with good tracks would make the 7 grand price reasonable. Did you make him an offer?

[bloodvette]

i went back and picked it up for 6600. it does need chains- can hear them slap occaisonally. but the sprockets all look good. guess we'll see if I payed too much. I test drove an 02 conquest after this one, and the conquest was in worse shape and way more money. I have been looking for one of these for many months and everything I've come across is either old or well over 10,000.... but I'm happy to do the work my self. It may have not been a great deal, but I was very happy driving it the last 2 days and i had it out floating in the middle of the marsh today. I realized how much better it is without the tracks on. yea so I'll install new chains on it, straighten the tensioners and see how it goes. thanks for the tips.

[B.A.]

good luck with your purchase

Hope you don't have to put too much into it. I know what you mean about finding a good used 8x8. I looked for months with no success before I purchased a 2009 frontier 650 8x8. A good cleaning,a few parts, and some maintenance and your 8x8 will be as good as new. The tracks will be a bonus if you plan to use the machine in winter. I haven't bought tracks yet but will, anything over a foot deep and you're high centered.

[akpride]

Hey man the only one you have to please is yourself! By the time you are done going through it you will feel confident with it on the trail and your abilities to pull it all apart and put it back together in a pinch! Good luck and have fun!

[bloodvette]

twice now I've went into water and couldn't get out because of steep banks. backing out seems to be better. i guess the runamucks are no good for grabbing the edge and pulling it up out of the water.