Should I buy an Argo??

[Pike]

Hi guys just joined so I am looking to tap into your experience and hopefully contribute as I get more experience. I have been contemplating buying an Argo for a few years, so this year I am selling (pretty much sold) my fishing boat and using the $$ to help buy an Argo. I keep struggling with Argo vs a more conventional ATV or side by side, But I think Argo is the way to go, but I do have a couple of questions that hopefully you guys can help me with. I plan to use it primarily up at out cottage near Gooderham Ont. (a bit south east of Halliburton), I have no winter access so the snow tracks would come in handy and I would like to go exploring with my sons, so the go anywhere in very appealing, I am not a hunter, but here are my questions:

I was reading in another thread about new vs used and it is a bit a dilemma for me. I don’t want to buy some else’s problems but at the same time I am wondering if the quieter muffler and Admiral Transmission on the newer ones are worth the price.

How reliable are they really, I plan to go exploring with my sons, just one machine if you get a break down how do you ever get it out of the bush.

Can they really go anywhere, I have seen all the videos, but when it is just one machine in the bush with me and my 4 and 8 year old sons, and it gets stuck can you get it out. In this situation a winch is a must but would you guys leave the tracks on in the summer,

How are they in shield country, I have heard that because they can high centre easily they are not that good at going over rocky terrain

I have heard that Argo’s are not allowed on ATV trails, does anyone know for sure in the Halliburton Highlands or anywhere else for that matter. I know they are allowed on the trails in Quebec

Our cottage lot is not that big, about 2 acres, for my boys to play around and make a track for them, does the Argo really chew up the grass

Is there anywhere Argos can be driven closer to Toronto without having to drive 2.5 hours north

Is there anywhere I could rent one for the day to see if I really like it, skid steering and all

I would love to own a machine, but spending $30K+ on a new machine is a lot of money for something that is purely recreational. I really appreciate your help.
Thanks

[Rock Doctor]

Should I buy an Argo? The simple answer here is YES, regardless of your other questions

I was reading in another thread about new vs used and it is a bit a dilemma for me. I don’t want to buy some else’s problems but at the same time I am wondering if the quieter muffler and Admiral Transmission on the newer ones are worth the price.

Personally I would have a hard time justifying the price of a new one for myself. If you are mechanically inclined, there is almost nothing you can't fix/modify/repaire yourself on an older machine. If your not mechanically inclined, prepare to spend money to get work done in a shop

How reliable are they really, I plan to go exploring with my sons, just one machine if you get a break down how do you ever get it out of the bush.

They are as reliable as YOU make them. There is no rocket science, or secrets to these machines. If you go out, knowing that a bearing is bad, be prepared to change a bearing/housing/axle on the trail. Typically something like that will pile up right in the deepest, most Croc infested hole you could ever find. On the trail, I've changed Bearings/Seals/Axles/Chains/Brakes/Tires/Transmitions...........even had to change my undrewear in one particular situation
:

Can they really go anywhere, I have seen all the videos, but when it is just one machine in the bush with me and my 4 and 8 year old sons, and it gets stuck can you get it out. In this situation a winch is a must but would you guys leave the tracks on in the summer,

I have yet to see a machine so stuck that it could NOT be pulled, lifted, dragged out. Buddy had one lifted out of a Logjam with an A-Star Hellicopter once. It might take some creative engineering, but they will come out.
I have been taking my 3 girls out with me since they were in their Baby Carriers
If you're not in extremly mucky/swampy/marshy conditions, you probably won't want to run tracks in the summer.


How are they in shield country, I have heard that because they can high centre easily they are not that good at going over rocky terrain

Maybe Plotthound, or NCT will chime in here?

I have heard that Argo’s are not allowed on ATV trails, does anyone know for sure in the Halliburton Highlands or anywhere else for that matter. I know they are allowed on the trails in Quebec

I've heard that they are not allowed on "Snowmobile Trails" in some places

Our cottage lot is not that big, about 2 acres, for my boys to play around and make a track for them, does the Argo really chew up the grass

It can chew up the yard

Is there anywhere Argos can be driven closer to Toronto without having to drive 2.5 hours north

No idea

Is there anywhere I could rent one for the day to see if I really like it, skid steering and all

No idea

I would love to own a machine, but spending $30K+ on a new machine is a lot of money for something that is purely recreational. I really appreciate your help.
Thanks

Hope that helped a bit


RD

[Slimpickin]

Buy a 1995 or newer conquest. Check the bearings, seals and chains to make sure they are good. Make sure the brake pads haves some time left in them. Change the fuel and air filter. If the machine runs good at that point, the rest is maintenance and it will only run as good as you maintain it.
Rule of thumb, "If it's got tires or tits at some point you're going to have trouble with it"

[amphibious drew]

Both members make good points. I personally have only ever bought used machines. I don't know a whole lot about Argo's as I own t-20 based machines, but what I do know is that down in the states its pretty easy to get a good Max II for $2500 or its big brother the Max IV for $5000. Many members rebuild machines on the site, and then sell them when the next big project comes along. You could watch on here and find a used machine from a trusted member and maybe even one that has a documented build thread. $30k is a lot of money to just about anyone, and you could get several good used machines, a trailer, some adair tracks, a few more machines, a couple of new engines, a bunch of t-20's from buggyman, and even a nice used truck with some gas to tow it all around for that kind of loot. Also, if you teach the kids how to drive/when they teach you how to really drive, you won't be a solo machine in the woods. You would be amazed at the age of some of our drivers. My 2 year old even knows how to work the sticks. I can't leave any machine running with him in a 20 foot radius and turn around without the little guy trying to jump in and make it go.

[Pike]

Hi guys thanks for replying, I appreciate your insights. Looks like used might be the way to go, How much would a 2007 Avenger 750 EFI, fully loaded - No Tracks, 160 hours be worth?
The only thing it doesn't have on a new one is the Admiral Transmission, still not exactly sure what the Transmission actually does for you.

[North Country Tough]

As far as a AATV goes they are a fantastic vehicle and nothing can compare for all around true all terrain amphibian,that said its not for everybody,as far as used on the Canadian shield and rocks never a issue for me what I cant crawl over you should not try with anything short of a dedicated 4X4 rock crawler.These machines are by far safer than a 4x4 ATV the chances of roll over are small given a sane individuals fear and good judgement.They make a great cottage bush pickup truck,and are about as reliable as any off road vehicle can be made,whether it be a Argo,Max they are tried and true,as far as buying new if you dont mind the "getting in price"and its not breaking your account its a great way to go,but there is certainly a pile of good used at a fraction of the cost,and if it is not what you want there is a market for clean used units in Ontario,Argo is the more recognized brand here in Ontario and sells well,but the Max is built in Buffalo NY and has been for ever and is a fine machine.You may not have enough challenges for a AATV so a side by side 4X4 may suit you better(jus saying)these machines are capable of so much more than jaunts to the bush,and with the fact that they are skid steer they take some getting use to,you got to ask yourself do you need a amphibian,do you really need a machine that is not so at home on a dry trail,or a backyard lawn,take a look at some of Roc Doc,s vids if you got that kind of tripping around in mind then you do need a AATV,if not it may be expensive overkill.And defiantly try before you buy a call to ODG the maker of Argo can set you up with a test ride see if you are comfortable with the feel of the machine,search this site extensively there is hardly a question asked that hasn't been answered.Cheers NCT

[Rock Doctor]

Hi guys thanks for replying, I appreciate your insights. Looks like used might be the way to go, How much would a 2007 Avenger 750 EFI, fully loaded - No Tracks, 160 hours be worth?
The only thing it doesn't have on a new one is the Admiral Transmission, still not exactly sure what the Transmission actually does for you.

I would be guessing on the value, but I will say that a friend bought a '04 with the 26hp Carbed engine, ROPS, back seat and Winch for $5,000. Very good shape.
Couple advantages of the Admiral Trans are:
More efficient power transfer
Can Counter-Rotate tires

RD

[AdrenalineJunky]

IMO argo or max are not for rocky terrain. Much damage can be done and they have no susp. Heavily rutted muddy trails;They do high center much easier than a typical 4wd atv. My area is perfect for amphibs......trails with no rocks........leading to a slow moving brook that fluctuates from outbaord required to wheels only adequate.......some grassy marshy areas on otherside of brook.

[North Country Tough]

IMO argo or max are not for rocky terrain. Much damage can be done and they have no susp. Heavily rutted muddy trails;They do high center much easier than a typical 4wd atv. My area is perfect for amphibs......trails with no rocks........leading to a slow moving brook that fluctuates from outbaord required to wheels only adequate.......some grassy marshy areas on otherside of brook.

Forty plus years of use of AATV,s on the Canadian shield only "holed" one lower body and it was when I came out of
a back lake thru a beaver swamp and hung the machine up on a friggin beaver Punji stick,wrecked a tire too,and let me tell ya trying to get a impaled 8 Wheeler off that thing was a lesson learned,stay away from them beaver marsh,s.LOL NCT

[Rock Doctor]

Forty plus years of use of AATV,s on the Canadian shield only "holed" one lower body and it was when I came out of
a back lake thru a beaver swamp and hung the machine up on a friggin beaver Punji stick,wrecked a tire too,and let me tell ya trying to get a impaled 8 Wheeler off that thing was a lesson learned,stay away from them beaver marsh,s.LOL NCT

You're older than I thought

RD

[North Country Tough]

You're older than I thought

RD

That aint no joke,four more years actually less than four I collect CPP,I have a grandchild not much younger than your littlest,what upsets me the most granite M.D is that I might not live long enough to wear out my Avenger.LOL NCT

[Rock Doctor]

That aint no joke,four more years actually less than four I collect CPP,I have a grandchild not much younger than your littlest,what upsets me the most granite M.D is that I might not live long enough to wear out my Avenger.LOL NCT

Took me a minute to figure that one out

RD

[azz7772]

I would search kijiji all accross canada and that will give you a good idea what they are worth in canada.

[thecartman]

Do not limit yourself to buying in Canada. Like many Canadian companies (Bombardier for example) ODG just blatantly charges Canadian consumers a LOT more for the product. Compare US and Canadian new Argo prices and see for yourself.

[sawbuck]

Where are all these cheap prices on new machines south of the border your talking about. I searched and searched and ordered mine from a local dealer and I live on the border. Looking in all the wrong places I guess? I see used prices maybe cheaper but not new.