looked at a responce

[lakeport smoker]

hello. I'm a newbie here. Looked at and test drove a 1999 argo responce. The machine appears to be in good shape. Some minor scratches and a few small cracks in the front seat. Alot of hours over 3000. The guy told me it was from his kids using the machine and leaving the key in the on position. Makes sence i guess. The guy seemed to be a nice guy and truthfull. I looked under the floor it was all clean under there. The chains were clean and lubed the bearings all looked good and had grease in them. The motor compartment was real clean. It has a 18 hp v twin briggs. New brakes and new 3000 lbs winch with remote still in box. He wants 4000 dollars and won't budge on the price is this a good deal? I want to use the machine mainly for ice fishing and plowing the driveway. How much snow will it go through with just tires on it? Where are the chain adjusters that a I read about on here? I saw the chain tensioners didn"t see where those could be adjusted just some plastic and a spring. Any thing else I should look for? any responce would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[akpride]

Where are you located? That makes a difference. Did you feel the chains and check the adjusters to see if they were maxed out? Also what about the tires? Good shape? And did you feel the bearings I.e. Wheels off the ground and shake? I think in Alaska with the machine you describe with all new bearings and chains and tires similar new I would might pay that much but any where else I thinkthat is high

[lakeport smoker]

I'm in upstate new york. Couldn't locate adjusters. I don't know what I'm looking for. Tires were about 50%. Bearings seemed to be in good shape.

[Rock Doctor]

Hi

There are no adjusters, just tensioners. Depending on the snow conditions IE. Wet, Dry Sugary, Ect, you will be able to run through about 8" not to bad with just your tires. Realistically though, they don't go through snow very good with just tires. For plowing snow they work OK with tires, it really depends what you are plowing the snow off. Plowing off concrete or pavement, not so good. Plowing off gravel or compacted snow they are pretty good, Plowing off ice, they suck. So really, you can see it's not a simple answer.
There are many threads already posted about what to look for when purchasing machines, as well as some good ones on spare parts and tools that you should have with the machine especially when operating them in remote locations. Not becouse they break down often, but becouse they might break down, and if they do, it's more than likely an easy fix if you are prepared.

Tire chains make a HUGE differance when plowing

How about some pics, I don't get to see a real clean tub and engine compartment very often on older machines. lol

PS, That price is a little high, I paid a little more for my 2004 Conquest, but I got it with Supertracks, Soft Top, Windshield, 4,200 lb winch, and very low hrs.

RD

[lakeport smoker]

Thanks for the responce. I'm hesitant to purchase now that 2 people have told me that the price is a little high. Not a lot of these things around, over here anyway. And not knowing if it is going to do the job that I hope it will do in regards to ice fishing. I think I'm going to have to think some more about this. Thanks again for the info.

[alaskacody]

how about this 2003 ARGO AMPHIBIOUS 8X8 CONQUEST

[Rock Doctor]

Thanks for the responce. I'm hesitant to purchase now that 2 people have told me that the price is a little high. Not a lot of these things around, over here anyway. And not knowing if it is going to do the job that I hope it will do in regards to ice fishing. I think I'm going to have to think some more about this. Thanks again for the info.

Don't let yourself get talked out of it that easy. If it's really in as good a shape as you think, with actual low operating hrs, it IS worth looking at.
Something to keep in mind...........The price of Responses and Conquests has actually gone UP in the last few ys. REASON- They don't make them any more and the price of new models is really more than the average guy wants to spend on a toy.
Take it for a ride, try it out, try to find someone that knows some local trails that it willing to go for a rip with you.

RD

[akpride]

Didn't mean to talk you out of it just thought you should know there ismore to these than just kickin the tires and checking fluids ya know. Parts add up quick so you want to know what kind of shape it really is in.

[LarryW]

how about this 2003 ARGO AMPHIBIOUS 8X8 CONQUEST

The 2000lb is actually more then the recommended towing capacity. "Towing Capacity 1800 lbs/ 818 kg"

I would go with the response. That would save you 2500 dollars to upgrade to an awesome machine

Or wait a few weeks and tell him you have 3500 cash. It wont hurt unless he sells it but then you just find another. My buddy has a response and there nice machines.

[lakeport smoker]

Thanks again all. I did test drive the machine. I just have never operated or actually seen one in action before. The machine didn't seem to make any unusual noises or any thing like that. Oil was right where it should have been and wasn't burnt. I want to get a few accesories such as a windsheild and cab enclosure. I'm sure that they add up and quickley. So I just want to make sure I haven't dug my self into a hole with the price. I also don't expect the guy to give the machine away for nothing. Just want to keep every one honest.

[Joker]

Thanks for the responce. I'm hesitant to purchase now that 2 people have told me that the price is a little high. Not a lot of these things around, over here anyway. And not knowing if it is going to do the job that I hope it will do in regards to ice fishing. I think I'm going to have to think some more about this. Thanks again for the info.

I have a 1997 Response that I mainly use in the Winter for ice fishing. It works great for that purpose. I added a receiver platform (fits in the hitch receiver of the Argo) and built a box on it so I could put the Vexilar, poles, battery, buckets, auger, etc back there and still have room for a cooler and a few guys (or my family of 5) in the Argo. Then I hook the portable fish house to the platform and head acrosss the ice. The tires do fine as the wind keeps the snow depth to a minimum on the lakes I fish. Except for drifts, I don't run into snow depth issues. I did go out in a couple active storms last year and was glad I had the tracks on. By the way, the plastic tracks without cleats are horrible on the ice. I couldn't get enough traction to pull the house well or turn from a dead stop. The two negatives I have against the Argo is the potential yard damage from the skid steer, and the lack of suspension making for a bouncy ride on rough terrain - neither are much of an issue for ice fishing.

For what it's worth, I have read many posts here where someone is asking about the price they see for some Argo. I can remember mosts of the replies being that the proce is high, few if any that the price is right. Either most of us are overpaying, or some of us are better at negotiating. Maybe both are true. I think many of us don't mind working on a "project" and want to pay as little as possible for it to start with. Then there are those of us who want to buy a "turn-key" machine and are willing to pay a little more for it. Just think, a new one is going to cost you over $18,000 (Argos seem overpriced to me from the start). Generally, ATV's will depreciate to some point and then stop depreciating unless they are torn up and being sold for parts. $4000 seems like about that point. The sum of the parts (engine, frame, tub, winch, 8 tires and rims, transmission, chains, etc.) are adding up quick. If you don't have to replace those, how much less would you think the machine could cost. Maybe this type of thinking makes me a bad negotiator.

For the same purpose, a side-by-side would work as well (like a Polaris Ranger). I don't think you will find one for under $4000 though. The Argo will be easier to modify (if you like to personalize your machine and taylor it to the type of riding you do) and is more unique. I paid a lot more for my 1997 two years ago. It came with tracks, a soft top, and a few extra parts - but knowing what I know now I overpaid. It was what I wanted though, and I couldn't find many 8-wheelers for sale in the area. There are always 6-wheelers, but I wanted the extra room.

I hope my rambing post helps your decision in some way. I can sum up my experience with this: I wouldn't buy a second skid steer vehicle, but I won't sell my first one any time soon.

J

[TerryA]

I paid more than that for a '98 Bigfoot with 18" tracks. I was glad to get it because as you said, you can't find these things very often. Sometimes it not just the best price you can get, it's being able to buy one. You'll forget about the price in a few months and remember the fun and work you CAN do now.
Terry

[bbass]

Hi
I run a 96 responce, had it since 98, love it.
New chains all around this year, some bearings, Escargo tracks!!

Awesome machine, just purchased a 2002 Conquest, a small project it will be ready this month!!!
LOVE MY ARGOs
Brian

[lakeport smoker]

Thanks to all who replied. I will keep all coments and suggestions in mind when I go back and look at the machine again this week. I will probably be buying it. Where is the best place to go for a windsheild and how much should I expect to pay? Oh and any other suggestions on what to look at are more than welcome. Thank you.

[atvrider93]

its a good machine and 4000 isnt bad as long as you won't need to dump money into it soon