Argo 8X8 Response 1999 - Is this a good deal ?

[spanishfly]

Hello Experts, I am new to this forum and looks like this is the best site for Argos. I just bought this item for $6500. Can you tell me if this was a good deal ?

Ebay Item # 270722804684 (Please search with this item # on ebay)

Below are the extras that comes with this fully loaded response (they are normally not found in an Argo Response)

1) Bottom Skid Plate
2) Bearing Extensions
3) Upgraded 25 HP Liquid Cooled Kohler Engine (has only 15 hours)
4) Winch on front, towing package at back
5) Cover, top, windshield
6) Tracks
7) Fog Lights

Argo is well maintained. Chains, bearings, sprockets, axles are in good condition. I am planning on driving this in the North Florida Swamps.

How does this compare to an Argo Conquest or Frontier 650 ? Do I need to upgrade or replace any parts in the near future or add any additional parts for extra protection ? I have never driven an Argo before in my life or any 6x6 for that matter. What kind of maintenance or precaution I need to take. Sorry I am new to this forum and please excuse me if I asked something thats already answered.

[Bud]

Did you buy this from Matt Oxender? He would be a great source for your questions, as he is an Amphibious ATV dealer, and designer of the Mudd Ox.

[MaxRules]

That does look like the vehicle Matt had for sale. That Response should easily be worth that price. Those accessories are very expensive. The only lacking feature of the Response is the 18hp Briggs engine it comes with, and that has been fixed by putting a 25hp Kohler in it. That also makes it better than a Conquest in my opinion, which comes with the 20hp Kawasaki liquid cooled engine. You have a better engine in your Response. You really can't compare any of those older model Argos to the Frontier, but the 8x8 Frontier wasn't made until 2008 so that means you'd pay a much higher price.

[spanishfly]

Thanks for the replies guys...Yes I bought it from Matt Oxender. He seems to be a very nice guy. I called him prior to bidding and based on the description he gave it sounded like a helluva deal and even though its a Response it sounded better than the conquest(20 HP) as well as the newer frontier (23 HP air cooled). Only concern is the age but then again the price more then makes up for it.

[philipatmaxfour]

Good luck with your new (Super) Response. I assume that the 25 hp. Kohler is air cooled. They used to be available in a Max iv and were perhaps one of the best engines that Recreatives made available. Argo Avengers can come with a liquid cooled 25 hp. Kohler in the carbed units and they have been pretty much bullett proof too. Can you tell me how you got your user name????

[Rock Doctor]

Sounds good

I would add that the best upgrade I ever made to my Conquest is putting 24" Frontier Tires on it. Very big difference. (As long as you don't mind having 2 sets of tires, the tracks won't fit over the Frontiers)

Some clutching mods can make a big difference, but with the 25HP in it, you may not need any more.

Also, when the time comes for Outer Axle Bearings, the Upgrade to the HDI Bearings is not difficult.

Congrats on the purchase

RD

[bucky]

just wondering what you think about an 18 hp kohler engine? is it a good engine?? i just bought one...

[spanishfly]

Thanks....I just chose a random name -- which is an aphrodisiac I believe (I don't really speak Spanish). Yes you are correct the 25 hp kohler is air cooled but its a great one though. I watched earlier on ebay that a 2000 Response went for $7600 that did not have tracks or bearing extensions or top. It also had a weaker 20 HP engine. This one with all the accessories I thought was a great deal for the price.

just wondering what you think about an 18 hp kohler engine? is it a good engine?? i just bought one...

Depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If its a 8X8 and you are going uphill or trying to climb something steep, or want higher speed or carrying a dead 1000 LB wild pig you just shot then it may not do a great job. You probably have to use the LOW gear most of the time. Other than that for just casual riding on flat track 18 HP should be enough.

Sounds good

I would add that the best upgrade I ever made to my Conquest is putting 24" Frontier Tires on it. Very big difference. (As long as you don't mind having 2 sets of tires, the tracks won't fit over the Frontiers)

Some clutching mods can make a big difference, but with the 25HP in it, you may not need any more.

Also, when the time comes for Outer Axle Bearings, the Upgrade to the HDI Bearings is not difficult.

Congrats on the purchase

RD

I agree with you. The Outer bearing is aluminium on the response/conquest but is solid steel for the HDI. I would upgrade that as soon as my bearing needs replacement. I don't think any clutch mods are required as the 25 hp engine was put by a pro (the designer of mudd ox - Matt Oxender who I bought this from) He says the newer engine pulls strong.