Military-Vehicles: Re: [MV] M715 worth?

Re: [MV] M715 worth?

David C. Decker (campdeck@infomagic.com)
Mon, 15 Sep 1997 10:02:57 -0700

Matt, to put a value on an unseen, undescribed vehicle is pretty hard to do. First keep
in mind that no matter what you buy unless it is in perfect shape and exactly the way
you want it, you will be spending $$$ on either restoring it or fixing it up the way you
want it.
If you are restoring the vehicle, my suggestion is to buy the best example you can get,
even if the price seems a little high. A lot of times, folks will keep a vehicle awhile,
buy a bunch of the hard to get parts and then lose interest. In the case of the M715, I
saw one sell here in Arizona for $6800 to a tour company that uses it to haul tourists
around Northern AZ. It was, at least, a 90%+ restored vehicle. The guy who sold it
started with a really complete and straight truck to begin with. Adding new tires,
tarps, seats, paint and all the other things it took to bring it up to 90%+ condition
costs more money.
I bought a modified 715 with Chevy 350/400/205 in rough shape for $2500.
I work mine hard and it shows it. I would not sell it for less then $5000.
I have seen rough but restorable 715s go for $1000++ in newspaper ads, etc.
What the one you are looking at is worth depends on all so many things.
How original is it? What kind of shape is the body in? Canvas and seats?
Does it run? You get the idea. The fact that it has a PTO winch is great, check to see
if the PTO driveshaft and take-off are there and working.
Does it drive? Tire condition?
And by now you probably realize one of the big questions, stated again.
What do you plan on doing with it? Daily driver? Restored?? Serious
4 wheeling?
Check out the October issue of FOUR WHEELER magazine. An OD 715 with a PTO winch and a
black-out light made the cover and is covered by a page inside.
My guess is that these vehicles (M715 series) have been overlooked and are undervalued
at present. The price WILL go up, and quickly because of coverage by magazines. If you
can pick the one up that you mentioned for less then $2000 and drive it home, seriousily
consider buying it.
BUT, BUT, WAIT, TAKE A LITTLE TIME. Join the MVPA and start receiving Supply Line, which
is the classified section. You may find out that you can easily find a much better buy.
Besides, you will need parts and support and the MVPA is the best place to find it.
Also, link over to the M715 page and check it out. Good luck, keep in touch.

Dave Decker, Flagstaff,AZ.,USA
M715
M274

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