Pricing, things to look for, etc Buying a MAX II

[cannibalrider]

I have found a 1995 max II with the 16hp briggs. I will probably take a look at it later this week. From pictures and description I will make my inference that it is in above fair, to good shape. (no holes, runs, new throttle and choke cables)

I wanted some opinions on what some of you might pay for this machine?

here is the link to the Max on ebay

eBay Motors: 6 Wheeler ATV - Will take you Anywhere - Low Reserve (item 150185204033 end time Nov-26-07 18:30:00 PST)

Thanks in advance

[MaxRules]

I think it depends on what you expect of the vehicle and what your plans are for it. First off, that is one ugly machine. By the description I believe it is safe to assume this Max has been under very poor care. Maxs do not live very long or reliable lives in these conditions. It might be an "OK" play toy for using around the yard, but do not expect reliable maintence free fun. It is just a very low cost vehicle to play with and have an occational project.

[hydromike]

Hi Cannibal,

I'm not going to suggest that you completely disregard Brandon's comments, but I also think that it's a pretty short sited opinion he's put forth. The Max in question may not win any beauty contests, and it may require significant work to get it to be as reliable as a new machine. At a minimum, it would appear that the seller is interested in disclosing all of the good, as well as the bad points of the machine. A little elbow grease could get the machine in top notch condition. If you do have the opportunity to take a look at it in person, I would certainly do so. Try to get the whole machine up in the air if you can, and spin the tires, check the bearings for slop, etc. While six wheelers do require quite a bit of maintenance, they're incredibly simple machines and if you're looking for an entry-level machine, and you're not afraid to learn as much as you can about it, I say go for it. We all know how ebay works; it might not end up being a "very low cost" vehicle to play with after all. The new tires look a skoshe (sp?) bigger to me. They look like 22x11 Rawhide IIIs. Keeping all 6 tires the same size is pretty imperative.

Take a real good look at it. Take the footwell out, take the top off if you can. Really get into it and make a grocery list of things. Any big leaks (transmission? Engine oil?) Only you can decide in the end if it's a good deal for you. Give it a real scrutinizing eye...

Good luck!
~m

[jerrynuss]

The new tires are Carlisle strykers, they do not swim and a very heavy. I would not have them on my machine. It is a 12 year old machine so go look it over it over with the expectation of working on it.

[jpswift1]

Keep in mind the old saying, "Dont judge a book by its cover."
I have to agree with Mike on this because even though it isnt a "beauty queen," it still could be a nice machine. Just because someone did a rattle can camo paint job and put two of the wrong tires on the machine doesnt necessarily mean it will be in rough shape everwhere else. The seller seems to be honest and is telling you all of the details that a seller would want to know. You could just pressure wash or srub that spray paint off the top and put two correct Rawhide III tires on it and you would have a great starter machine. Also, with this machine, you will learn the basics of working on an amphib, a very good skill to have, especially if you ever need to perform a repair out on the trails and you're a few miles from home. I started out with a 1970 something Max II and it was a basket case, but I learned so much from rebuilding and restoring it and Im glad I did it. We have to keep as many old 6 wheelers alive as possible so we can keep our hobby growing strong. That is why I am always looking for old machines to go and restore or just keep up in good running order.

Hi Cannibal,

I'm not going to suggest that you completely disregard Brandon's comments, but I also think that it's a pretty short sited opinion he's put forth. The Max in question may not win any beauty contests, and it may require significant work to get it to be as reliable as a new machine. At a minimum, it would appear that the seller is interested in disclosing all of the good, as well as the bad points of the machine. A little elbow grease could get the machine in top notch condition. If you do have the opportunity to take a look at it in person, I would certainly do so. Try to get the whole machine up in the air if you can, and spin the tires, check the bearings for slop, etc. While six wheelers do require quite a bit of maintenance, they're incredibly simple machines and if you're looking for an entry-level machine, and you're not afraid to learn as much as you can about it, I say go for it. We all know how ebay works; it might not end up being a "very low cost" vehicle to play with after all. The new tires look a skoshe (sp?) bigger to me. They look like 22x11 Rawhide IIIs. Keeping all 6 tires the same size is pretty imperative.

Take a real good look at it. Take the footwell out, take the top off if you can. Really get into it and make a grocery list of things. Any big leaks (transmission? Engine oil?) Only you can decide in the end if it's a good deal for you. Give it a real scrutinizing eye...

Good luck!
~m

[Roger S]

You better re think your idea of a 45 mph 6 wheeler to keep up with your quad friends. 45 on level ground.. ok, but no suspension @ 45 in the woods is impossible. You can't buy a junk vehicle and expect it to hold up to excessive HP.

I'm not saying it isn't worth buying at some $ amount.. I'm an hour away from it and for the right price I'd take it. Would have to look at it of course.

[cannibalrider]

if I were to purchase this machine it would be with the intent to fix it up. I am a mechanic myself so labor is no issue. What i was really getting at was, if this machine has a solid chassis, tub, t20 axles etc what is a ballpark value. Beacuse i know i want a faster machine i would rather buy an older machine rather than choppin up something newer and nicer. With all this considered i was trying to get an idea for "fair market value." also what are the chances this machine has the tubular axles vs solid? How can you tell the difference with out tear-down?
thanks again!