I've been a self-appointed watchdog for Argo, and other AATV listings here on eBay for the last couple of years, and aside from the "normal" scams, I see older Argos that are for sale at greatly inflated prices for the make, model and year. Some used Argos have even sold for more than new, believe it, or not.

Potential sellers will describe their Argos as "mint condition," or "fully loaded with extras," in order to make you think you're getting some great deal. Trust me, you're not. Others will claim that it would cost $xxxxxx if it were new. Most of these "if it were new" statements are complete non-sense and way over-inflated. Besides, you're not looking at a "new" machine, so the statement itself is un-needed. 

Unfortunately, these vehicles don't come with an odometer to tell you how many miles they've been driven. Instead, they have a "Hobbs" hour-meter; the same type you'd find in an airplane or helicopter. A Hobbs meter is considered optional equipment so some will have it, and some won't. In any case, these meters are very easily disconnected by folks who will proceed to put a lot of rough time on them, then re-connect them when they're ready to sell. So, if you see a vehicle advertised "Argo.....1993 mint condition...only 47 original hours, like new....." , please, be wary, and check the vehicle in person with a mechanic if possible. Also, be wary if a seller tells you that "...the kids left the key turned on, and ran up the hours...." It may be true, it may not be. Just be ready to give it a close inspection. 

There are two price guides, and three prices you should pay attention to when considering an Argo purchase. First:

NADA. Notice that if you put in the year, make and model of Argo, it will give you two prices. Low retail, and Average retail. Pay close attention to these prices as they will be the most realistic of the Argo's value.

Next, there is Kelly Blue Book. Just follow the pages to get the retail prices. These prices will be higher than NADA, so it's a good idea to get all three.

For example: Let's say you want a 1998 Argo Bigfoot. Kelly Blue Book gives a suggested retail of $3920.00. NADA gives a low retail and high retail of $2065.00, and $2715.00. In '97, these retailed, (sticker priced,) for $7376.00. Hint: Who pays sticker price? The three guide prices add up to $8700.00. Divide by the three, and you get $2900.00. After you use Kelly Blue Book and NADA a few times, you'll see exactly how much these vehicles are worth, and how overinflated some of the asking prices are. Something else to keep in mind is that neither NADA or Kelly have  ARGO listings earlier than 1995. As an added bonus, NADA also lists the MSRP, (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price,) on each model so you know what they sold for when new.

The "extras" for Argos should NOT jack the prices up as much as I've seen. For instance, a bilge pump, even if installed by the factory, should not add another $400 to the base price. Another example are "tracks." These are either from the factory, or other commercial suppliers that are found on the i-net. With the exception of one specialty company in Canada, aftermarket tracks, (those NOT from the factory,) can be had for anywhere between $900 to $1500, brand new. They are just like any vehicle that you've just bought and driven off the lot; they've depreciated. Besides, for the most part, tracks are not needed and are bought because of the "cool" factor.

When I price the Argos I've seen, I go to the sites listed above, get all three numbers, and come up with an average. Then I look at all the "extras" offered. Keep in mind that while cammo, winches, brush guards, bilge pumps and outboard motor mounts are "optional equipment," and nice to have, they should have VERY LITTLE, or no impact on used vehicles. After market tracks, and convertable tops should add only about 50% of their new cost to the price of the vehicle. In other words, only about $500 each.  

Keep in mind that a seller who is asking more than the Argo is worth is trying to get the most money possible from the auction, and this, in itself, is not a scam. Just be an informed consumer and do your homework just as you would for any other high-dollar purchase. Take your time.