Max IV

[wheeler]

I posted this in another area, but after reading the other forums I think this place MAX forum is the best. I apologize Mike if this in inconvienient. SO HERE IT GOES - - -I might be driving to Council Bluffs Iowa tomorrow from Northern Minnesota, to look at and drive a Max IV for sale. I spoke with the guy on the phone last night about the MaxIV. He said it has the 18hp Vanguard. It has the solid splined axles. It has a winch mount but no winch. (how much are winches new)? The tires and wheels look like brand new. It has the cage on top, but no cover. It is missing the top engine cover - if you know how much a used one goes for and if there hard to find. I looked in the parts section and there isn't any used motor covers. New covers cost about 350.00 buckareanos! The pics show NO rips in the seats. He said there are absolutely no cracks in the hull or anywhere on the machine. There are no plugs with it and he has never had it in the water. He took all the bearings out and re-greased them. He said there was no rust on the bearings or anything that indicated it leaked or sat in any water. The chains are in great shape and he said he spent some bucks on greasing everything. The engine starts with a turn of the key. He believes the machine is a 1998. The vin # is 14459. I did some research and believe he is correct about it being a 98. It's tan in color with the round headlights and it looks like this machine has been taken care of. Sooo, please tell me what you guys think of a price of $3700.00 dollars. Give me your opinions and I will be eternally gratefully to you.
He also sent a video of it, so he's not afraid to show it, although the video didn't show the lower compartment. I believe he would be glad to send me pics of that.
Thanks for any other opinions.

[brushcutter]

I don't think 1998 came standard with splined axles. If he has them they were either special ordered or put in as an upgrade - one of the top upgrades you can do to any machine that has the pin/sleeve axles/sprockets. With the engine cover missing (how does that happen) you already know you will have to fab one up or shell out the $350+shipping for it if you want to go that route. You might watch the parts section or post a wanted ad there and pick one up, but that could mean waiting for some time. A 1998 in the shape you are listing seems good but still imo a little on the high side of things. Drive it when you get there and keep in mind the cost of the engine cover when you talk money. Toss a lower price than you expect- not want to pay at him, then you both have some negotiating room. I would start around $2900 and go up to the $3300 range if I really really wanted it and it performed as he said. The winch depends on your personal preference, I like Warn, and paid $499 for the RT 3000 I bought for my old Hustler 950. Harbor Freight lists ATV 2000# winch for about $80, I've known folks who bought them and had really good luck using them. Good luck on the purchase.