Used Argo Buyer’s Guide

Looking to buy a used Argo? You’re not alone. Every fall, we see lots of folks opting to buy pre-owned Argos over new to save some money.

And I get it, if you can purchase a used machine for a significant discount off the price of new one, why not? Especially if you’re handy and can do some of the repairs yourself.

While that seems like it makes pretty good sense, this used Argo buying guide will reveal that it doesn’t always.

It depends a lot on the model you choose.

Here’s the biggest problem buyers of used Argos run into… parts availability.

Many times I have had the unpleasant task of explaining to some poor guy who thought he was getting a steal of a deal that the reason the machine was so cheap is that you just can’t get parts for it anymore.

Trust me, it’s not a conversation I enjoy having. The truth is that if you can’t get the parts you need, it really doesn’t matter how much you saved.

With that said, here is a list of models to be very cautious about purchasing due to parts availability…

  • Any pre 1990 machine: many parts are no longer available.
  • Pre 95 Magnum Models: Transmission parts, axles, clutches, accessories are all hard to find.
  • Pre 2006 Conquest Models: Transmission parts, clutches and accessories are hard to find.
  • All Response Models: Transmission parts, clutches and accessories are hard to find.
  • All Vanguard models: Transmission parts, clutches and accessories are hard to find.
  • Pre 2006 Bigfoot Models: Transmission parts, clutches and accessories are hard to find.

On the other hand, here are some models that you may want to consider, as parts are readily available…

  • Avenger models (All years)
  • Frontier models (All years)
  • Aurora models (All years)
  • XTI Conquest Models (2014 AND newer)

How to Check a Used Argo for Issues

With any amphibious Argo, you’re buying it to handle all types of terrain.

The amphibious capability of the machine relies on tight axle bearings and a solid tub. The way to check an Argo before you buy it is to inspect all the axle bearings by lifting the machine off the ground with a jack and wiggling the axles up and down.

This will tell you if it needs an axle bearing.

Any play will indicate you need axle bearings, seals and possibly an axle if it has been scored. This can be costly. If the chains seems slack it most likely needs new ones.

Check between the sprockets and if the top chain meets the bottom chain between the sprocket, it needs new ones. I’ve seen so many people buy a used Argo for $5,000 and then put $3,000 or more into it in repairs. At this point, you’re getting awfully close to the price of a new one.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a used machine is how it compares to the improved build quality of the newer models.

If you are considering any of the above used machines, you should know that any classic transmission machine such as some Avengers or Frontiers are comparable in performance to the newer Frontier models that we have in stock starting at $12,499 plus freight and PDI.

This means for under $14k, we can get you into a new machine that comes with forged heavy duty axles, larger bearings and a 4 year warranty. Which begs the question…

Does is it really make sense to buy new?