Argo Depreciation Too Great to Buy New?

[Robinhood02]

[QUOTE=The biggest prob with those is abuse Drive it like you stole it seems to be a common theme with guys using rentals.[/QUOTE]

ROTFLMAO, yes i agree, i get a couple that have been driven like that every year, and yup sometimes they need alot of work

[MarryK]

...That's why we're buying new. Lol

[MaxRules]

MarryK, I'm not sure those numbers comparing the Frontier 580 and 650 are accurate. But, putting the expected values aside, the Frontier 650 will sell ten times before the 580 will sell. Add the Admiral trans and you'll have a vehicle that will sell FAST. Base models are harder to sell, both new and used. Besides the ease of that sale a few years from now, the 650 is so much more fun to drive and you'll enjoy it a lot more. 18hp just isn't enough and that 23hp just makes it a blast to drive.

[vader8x8]

IMHO a skid plate is not an option. Whatever you buy, new or used, make sure you have one. If the scars on my skid plate were on my tub I would be kicking myself for "saving" $400. Also, you need a winch. Without the peace of mind you get from having it, you will never use the machine to it's ability. Add the wiring to mount the winch to the rear hitch too. Sometimes you have to eat crow and go back the way you came. Unless you get Adair tracks. Then you just need a winch because they look cool.

[MarryK]

We've consistently been quoted a $4,000 difference, optioned the same, between the 6x6 580 and 650. That's a huge difference. Also, I suspect you guys are over estimating our use. It'll be garaged, and used for fun to run around our property. We won't be climbing banks, crossing rock fields or mud bogging. As for the Admiral steering adding value, I truly don't see that on the used market today or even in 5 years. So many folks on here are buying over 10 year old Argos based solely on them being inexpensive. I don't see that changing. I think there is a mentality or ego toward having the biggest and the baddest, but it rarely proves a financially wise decision (and I was horrified to read that people finance Argos for recreational purposes, as that's crazy). We live debt-free, including no mortgage, and enjoy true toys like our boat and this Argo. But, even with money to spare, we don't buy stupid. We know that the depreciation rate on "loaded" models of any vehicle, whether a car, boat or Argo, are much higher than on base models because people simply don't pay a premium for upgrades on a used vehicle like they do on a new one. So, I really believe that in two years, the real-world saleable value on a 6x6 580 versus 650 will be the same. The only difference is we'll be $4,000 ahead in initial savings by not having bought the 650. Like I said, buy toys when you have money to burn, but don't do dumb.

[MaxRules]

It sounds like you've done your research, MarryK. I am no longer a dealer directly for Argo but I still do things here and there with new vehicles. I have an up to date price list and the cost difference between the Frontier 580 and 650 (non-Admiral) is only $1800. Add another $1000 to the 650 to get the Admiral trans. That's only $2800 from base model to top of the line bad a$$ machine. The accessories you might want to add are the same prices on either vehicle, so that won't change the price difference between models. You wouldn't even have to get the admiral trans if you want to keep your cost down. The regular 650 is an excellent machine and the upgrades it comes with are worth the cash over the 580, both now and later. PM me if I can be of any assistance.

[MarryK]

Brandon, ODG has been running a special on the 580 for $8,495 with the 6x6 650 HD at $12,795. That's a big difference. Interestingly, I looked on NADA and they have Argo listings. A 2010 6X6 650 HD is listed at $7,100 and a 580 at $6,100. So, at face value, after just 1 year of owning a 580, you lose about $2,400, but on a 650 HD you lose around $5,700. That's my point about the 580 being a more rational financial decision. You can look at bigger badder machines, but if you don't need it or want to throw money away, look for the best return on your money (or, more aptly, limit your loss), in the long run.

[6X6]

Hi:
I've been curiously reading this thread and see a lot of great input. The thing I wonder is if you're looking at machines based more on what they will resell at than what you are looking for in a machine? If you simply want something short term to resell then I would think it would be a no-brainer to buy a one or two-year old machine and let someone else take the initial hit. Of course if you are looking for a machine, and aren't PLANNING on keeping it only a short time, I really would concentrate on the features I would/would not use, based on that, not on how they'll affect resale value (Add ons, factory or aftermarket RARELY affect price anywhere near as much as they cost, on most anything on wheels). You won't make money reselling it, no matter what, but to be fair this holds true with any RV. If it's being tight financially, then I'd look long and hard at used machines at dealers, you may not save AS MUCH, but probably can still finance.
It's just my view, but I do see these as Toys, not investments. Get the one that suits you for how you will be using it, and you won't have to worry about resale

[MarryK]

Johnny, I think I'm the minority here. In my use, bigger isn't better. I don't want the bells and whistles. And I'm paying cash (as I said previously, anyone who finances a toy like an Argo is making a huge mistake). No, it's in no way an investment, and we can afford to keep it forever. But looking at such a big purchase from all angles, including resale value, is prudent. In business, it's called "an exit strategy."

[6X6]

No, I fully understand, and I think it's a thing that a lot of people do weigh, just to varying degrees. Bigger (or more loaded) is by no means always better, I love the small 6x6 Attexes, bare bones two sticks, shifter and key, fast and fun. I (maybe mis) read that you were weighing options on maybe their resale value more than their value to YOU. All I was thinking is that if (example) the Admiral Tranny suits YOU better (to where it's worth the initial extra cost, ignoring resale altogether) there would be a smaller chance that you would end up needing a good resale value. A need to suddenly sell a machine is always a possibility for any of us, some more than others, all I was saying is that it's a loss either way, and as long as you stay in a range that reasonably fits both your needs and budget, you maximize your fun while minimizing risk.