soon to be owner with a couple questions

[MikeyM]

Hey all, i just joined yesterday, my name is Mike from peoria heights,IL. I dont have a 6x6 yet but may have one this weekend. I have a golf cart I have put on craigslist for sale or trade and have a guy wanting to trade. His post says its a 92 max II but he text me today saying he thought it was a 96. Picture showed a 12.5 vanguard, would that be electric start? he says body and tub are free of cracks, and its very well maintained, and never abused. has a winch on it and says the tires are a little weathered but still have good tread. I asked about the chains and he said no rusted mess, always greased and kept in adjustment. im pretty interested in it. Looks clean. But here are my questions if someone could help me. I originally wanted a max 4 just for the added room, but I really like the max 2 because of how compact it is. How available are parts for these things? If i wanted to upgrade the engine for more power, am I just to replace the engine or can you lightly tweak these things or put in different clutchs or springs? This atv doesnt have a roll bar, or a windshield, and from the little accessories ive found online, the prices seem steep, has anyone have any insight on making these themselves? also if i had to replace the tires, what should i expect to pay? Sorry for so many questions, Ive never dealt with one before, so i figured id ask the pros! thank you in advance for any input! Mike

[Mike]

Hi Mike, welcome to the site. It sounds like the Max may be much older than the seller thinks it is. Ask him to give you the serial number off the dash (stamped into the placard) and post it here and we can help you guesstimate the year. Or you can just call the manufacturer with the serial number and they can tell you the exact year. Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511 With Recreatives Industries still being in business and manufacturing Max ATVs, parts are readily available.

Be very leery of a seller telling you that it was maintained, greased, etc. I think most people say that when selling the machines. Go look at the 6x6 yourself and really pick it apart. Look over the used ATV buyer's guide here on the site on the home page for things to look for. For accessories, they are expensive but with a little skill, you can make most of what you want. I don't know what he is asking for this 6x6 but unless the price was very low, I would look for a newer machine with at least an 18HP motor in it. They can be found in great condition in the $3000-4000 range.

Good luck.

[MikeyM]

Hi mike, thanks for the reply, he is asking 3200, and I told him if it is a decent machine i would trade him even up. I asked him earlier today for pictures and I am still waiting, hopefully i get some pictures tommorow. here is a link of what he has. Argo Max II 6x6 Amphibious Vehicle,,,Trade ? originally I wanted a max 4 and still wouldnt mind having one but i really like how small and agile the max 2 is. Thanks again for your advice!

[jpswift1]

The Max II is a great machine. This one is definitely early 1990's model, because they only used the 12.5HP Vanguards for a couple years.......so 1992 sounds about right. $3,200 is a little high in price. You can get a much newer/higher horsepower Max II like Mike said for $3,200. It might be an alright trade for a golf cart if the cart though, depending on what it's worth though.

[MikeyM]

Well heres the thing with the golf cart, I got it cheap....very cheap and dont have much more that 1500 wrapped up in it, but its valued around 4 grand, i'll post a picture. besides the 12.5 being weak, are there any problems with it? I dont really mind too much trading down, simply because, I dont have alot out of my pocket. I painted it myself, did all the other work myself, with the exception of the upholstery. I figured as long as it is a good machine I may grab it, but Im sure I would want to try to tweak the engine right off the bat. Can you tweak the governors or change out the clutch springs? or shorten the belt to engage the clutches faster? Thank you guys for your input on this....extremely helpful! My home computer sucks, and cant post the pic now, but in the introduction section, I posted a picture the other day

[thebuggyman1]

If you ever wanted to make the 4-5 hr drive to my place, I'd be happy to go over the machines with you. To show you what to look for etc. Maybe someone closer to you would volunteer and save you a few hrs drive.

[rentalrider]

where do you live? I'm in west branch, Mi... myself and a few buddies ride argo's. Let me know if you're close.

[MikeyM]

Thanks guys, I live in peoria,IL. I actually just made a deal on a really clean MaxII. its in harbor springs MI, hell of a drive for me (9)hours one way! Super clean new tires, looks like you could eat out of the tub, no surface rust or anything! and best its one owner, all maintenance records, canopy, windshield, new tires, and new preventitive maintenance stuff, and machine only has 46 hours on it! trading him even up for my golf cart! I cant wait to get it!

[MikeyM]

I would love to set up a time to meet all you guys, but not this time through, we are going to be rockin and rollin tryin to get home! be 18hours round trip