The right questions

[nube]

What kind of questions should I be asking whn I buy my Argo from a previous owner? I know nothing about the mechanicks of these machines and want to know I am not getting ripped of.

Also how many hours is considered really used? I know of a few that are for sale around the 300hour mark and one that has a rebuilt tranny 2 years ago with 1100 hours total on it.

[Rock Doctor]

Personally, I think you will get a more honest idea of the machines condition by looking at it, than asking a guy that just wants to sell it.
#1 Cleanliness, a guy that doesn't clean his machine also doesn't maintain it.
Look at the framework for bends, cracks, modifications
ower the tranny and do a lift check on all axles and idler shafts (Bearing Check). While you have the machine jacked up for the lift check, spin all the axles and watch for bent ones.
Ask a few questions like how are the cains/sprockets?, how many hours on these bearings? how many hrs to an oil change? If the owner stumbles, or doesn't seem to remember, it's probably becouse he doesn't know.
Watch for little things, like loose wires, broken switches, dead backlights, dirty air filter, ect.

Hope that helps get you started

RD

Oh ya, REALLY USED in my book is upwards of 3-4 thousand hrs. I've seen a couple with upwards of 6000 hrs.

[thebuggyman1]

How many miles is too many for a car? The way it was used and maintained means everything. There seem to be a lot of machines with 200 hours on them that need bearings, but other than that, it's too unpredictable to say how long anything will last. If an older machine has a fresh engine and trans, new chains and bearings, and the body is in ecellent shape thats probably the best deal. If you are not sure what you want, show up to one of the group rides, people are more than happy to show off thier toys.

[Moosetalker]

Ya some are realy used.
The Outfitter I used to moose guide for up high level country we put up to 300 hrs on setting up camp way back and hunting for a 3 week stretch in fall then another 400 or so hauling bear bait in spring. but thats not the norm.

[LarryW]

Check the aatv buyers guide. It should help you.
http://www.6x6world.com/forums/content/342-used-atv-buyer-s-guide.html

[brebett]

I would be very careful in buying a used one. Those machine are normally used to go rough place. At least I wouldn't go to old. That's my opinion, it doesn't mean I'm right.
Jack