Anyone own both argo and Max brands? Please list differences for a Noob purchaser...

[outdoors1968]

I'm finding mostly Max 2's and iv's, as well as argo 6x6's for sale in my area. Can anyone give me an unbiased opinion of the strengths, and weakness's, of the machines? Front vs. rear engine handling, climbing, descending, etc, etc?

I've found a 2002 Max IV fairly local with 16 hours on it, for $2900 with trailer. Sounds pretty sweet, but want to get some idea of what the different models offer, performance wise.

Speed is not an issue to me as much as off road, swimming, etc. capabilities. Also, I'm interested in adding an outboard at a later date..... any advantages in this sense, model to model?

Thanks in advance, seems to be a great bunch of 6x6 enthusiasts here!

[TalSet]

i own a 1994 max IV with the 16 hp v-twin vanguard engine with 25" rawhide III tires. for off-road and swimming this machine is great. come time for maint. all components are easily accessable. i'm speaking from experience. i bought this machine without much knowledge of these machines and have taken mine apart completely 6 or 7 times now. previous owner neglected maint. and i'm re-building as things go south. once you have all the bugs out, i think you'll agree that the max IV is more than capable for your needs.

[thejunkman]

what are you planning on doing with the machine work or play.

[outdoors1968]

what are you planning on doing with the machine work or play.

Well, I guess play as I don't really need the machine for any chores. Some camping, mudding and just banging around the woods, exploring, hunting, fishing, and the like. Definitely not interested in racing....... - I raced a formula car for over a decade and I'm not interested in throwing down lots of money down to win trophies. Been there, done that. I do drive things hard, though. Not abusive, but hard.
Reliability is what I'd like most. I have a truck and trailer, so no problem moving it around, should I need to. I'm very interested in the amphibious nature of the machine, would like to take it out on small lakes, ponds. It's just me and my eight year old daughter who will be using it together. Trying to find one that's already got a windshield, roll cage, canvas top, etc, to save money rather than adding these things later.
I am a metal fabricator by trade - mechanically inclined, so doing my own work on a machine is not a problem - however, I'm looking to buy one that does not need work up front and is usable from day one, since I've had enough "projects" langish around my place for years to realize that I'm better off buying a runner, initially.


BTW, just got my first email back from the craigslist ad, and it already smells like a scam. I thought it sounded too good to be true. I'll post the email here if it does turn out as such.

Talset, thanx for your input, happy owners mean alot about a product's quality, im my eyes.!
Thanks for any help or opinions, in advance, folks!

[Robinhood02]

to help you with your search here is a listing for you
Max IV | Craigslist Search
there are many units to choose from here, i suspect you would be disapointed with the 16hp and 24" tires on that unit, i also just noticed that unit is listed in San Diego AND St Louis kinda strange to be in those 2 places at the same time, i would recomend caution on that one, if you have the bucks this is the one i would look into

http://appleton.craigslist.org/rvs/1964335105.html

[outdoors1968]

Here's the reply I got to this ad........ Unit is listed in Reading, Pa ads on craigslist, yet town it is in is in New Jersey.

Hello I’m Gerry and thank you for your interest in buying the MAX. The total price for my MAX is $2,900. I wanted to keep the MAX but I left the city for a better job in Gulf of Mexico, so I decided to sell it. The MAX is in showroom condition, no liens; it was never involved in an accident.
So if you are interested please email me back so I can explain you how the transaction will work.


Here you can see more pics of the MAX:

ImageShack(TM) slideshow

Here is more info of the MAX:

YOU GET 2002 MAX IV 6x6 4 SEATER WITH 16 HOURS ON IT .
THE MOTOR IS 16HP V-TWIN NEW BATTERY .COMES WITH TRAILER AND 2 RAMPS TO GET ON TRAILER .
COMES WITH 2 PADDLES A LIFE JACKET.AND A COVER.

2002 MAX IV 500T

Engine size (cc): 16 cc
Type: 6 WHEELER
Transmission type: Automatic
Max IV

Weight Approximately: 805 pounds (365 kilos)
Gross Vehicle Weight: 1605 pounds (728 kilos) (includes passengers, cargo & accessories)
Gross Permissible Weight In Water: 1305 pounds (592 kilos) (includes passengers, cargo & accessories)
Length: 96 inches (244 cm)
Height: 42 inches (107 cm)
Width: 56 inches (142 cm)
Wheelbase: 58 inches (147 cm)
Seating: 4 persons
Fuel Capacity: 5 U.S. gallons (19 liters)
Transmission: T-20 Skid Steer Non-Differential
Drive Chain: 530 O-ring
Axles: 1-1/4 inch heavy-duty steel (3.175 cm)
Towing Capacity: 1000 lbs. (454 kilos)




Hmmm. and a 16cc engine, to boot.

I'm reporting to craigslist. I know these scammers think all americans are fat, lazy, and stupid, but, uh, It took some brains to put ourselves in a postition where we can be fat and have leisure time, should we so choose...

I'm gonna email back, "Hi, I'm a rich, fat, stupid and greedy american capitalist pig who likey to give yoo boatload of money so you can cheat me out of it. Thankey you so much my idiot friend. It be great pleasure to be robbed by such fine person as you!"

Thanks for the links, robinhood!

[Ronaldlewis]

robinhood02 saved my butt once too, i think the guy is telepathic he saved me 3500 on an argo scam , and he turned me into a Max fan to boot LOL, the one he linked you to is about 15-17 thou new so maybe a good deal to go for and it looks like some sport store dealer so maybe reliable too ,but i would low ball the guy at about 4500 and see what he counter offers it to you for