Should I buy this Max IV?

[MaxPain]

I currently use a Jeep Wrangler YJ for hunting and I'm thinking about going with a 6 wheeler and selling the Jeep. I found a 2000 Max IV in pretty good shape about a 2hr drive from where I live. It has the Kohler 25hp, cage, 26" tires, and a winch for $4500. It seems to be reasonable, is it worth that much? or should I keep looking.

The only other concerns I have with getting a 6 wheeler, is the fact that my hunting stands are aprox 3-4 miles away from my camp. And also sometimes I take my wife and kids out to the stands to check the feeders and just ride, etc. My Jeep can get out there pretty quick and the ride isn't too bumpy for my youngest son (2yrs old). Since I've never owned one, I'm not sure how a 6 wheeler would work out for my situation. Would the ride be too bumpy for my youngest and would it be too slow to get to the stands without beating me and the machine up?

[liflod]

Sounds like a reasonable deal.

My kids like the bumpy trails better than the smooth ones.

Once you realize all the places the Max will go that the Jeep won't, you'll be happy.

Make sure you check out the machine thoroughly before you buy it.
There are thread on this site that detail the inspection procedure.

Actually, there should be a sticky on pre-purchase inspections. Mike?? Also, there's not much difference between a pre-purchase inspection and a pre-ride inspection.

[boncrshr]

Another point that AATV's have over Jeeps, especially ones used only on deer leases, is that your maintenance is cheaper and there is less of it.

I don't think you will be disappointed between the two.

[hdble]

Maxpain,
Being the owner of both Jeeps, and 6x6's, I don't think you can go wrong with the purchase of the Max. It will serve you and your family well, as with the Jeep, it will be what you make of it.




Bonecrshr,

I believe most hammers have a warning label,says wear safety glasses.
Should say keep your hands out of the way!
How's your hand doing?

[boncrshr]

The hands doing better, thanks for asking. I can now perform vigorous tasks like holding a coffee cup without any problem...hehehe, I've actually gotten back into the garage and been pretty productive, but I seriously kinda get this funny feeling in my gut every time I pick up a hammer now! And I'm really careful also!

[hdble]

Glad to hear it's getting better
Just remember"don't smack the hand"!
I can joke about it, been there, done that. I've got the scars to wear like a badge.

Have a great day!

[MaxPain]

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do yet, but my uncle picked up a Argo bigfoot 6 wheeler that had a bent pushrod, he should have it fixed this weekend though. We're going to take it out to the woods in a couple weeks to see what it will do and how it rides, etc. I think that will help me a lot in deciding if I should pick one up or not.

[pepper]

the argo will be a bit of a smoother ride but you will get the general idea

[jerrynuss]

Stating the Argo will be a smoother ride is totally supposition. There are a lot of factors that play in to the ride quality. The Argo does have the benefit of the operator being able to stand up easier to soften the ride where the seating and floor position of the max make standing difficult.

Going out in the Argo will give you the general idea of what the AATV can do, and even that depends upon the ability of the driver. If you really want to see them in action meet up with some board member and go along for a group ride and see how the machines compare.

There is no comparison to a jeep. Having had four jeeps ranging from a 2A, to late model Cherokee, none even decked out with accessories and modifications would go where a stock amphibious atv will go and do it as economically. The AATV is purpose built for offroad, the jeep is and always will be a compromise between an on road and off road vehicle.

[pepper]

ride in both of them and in general the argo is a bit smoother, it is larger and heavier especially if it is an 8x8 . what i am saying is that he will get the idea as to what this type of vehicle feels like .

[jerrynuss]

He said his uncle had as Argo bigfoot 6x6 (25" tires). I'd put the the Max II with 21" tires or the Max IV with 22" tires up against the bigfoot any day for ride quality, the Max IV with 26" factory tires will ride rougherin general. I've been beaten and whipped in a Bigfoot going over logs and rocks that the Max IV is much gentler simply due to seating position. But going down a gravel road or across a grass field I would say the Bigfoot may be smoother there especially when a person can stand up or absorb some of the bumps with their knees.

But I do agree in general he should get an idea of how the AATV works compared to a jeep.