Winch Search: Used M8000 vs new VR8000

I've been thinking about adding a winch for occasional use. It would sit must of the year, but when needed I could use it. I would like an M8000 ideally. Here is my dilemma, a used M8000 (condition unknown) runs $450-500 locally here in Seattle. I can get a new VR8000 off Amazon for $375 shipped. I know the limitations of the VR series being made and assembled in China vs the M8000 being made in China and assembled in the US. Just trying to figure out if it would be worth it to take a gamble on a used M8000 vs a new VR at that price. Thoughts?


*EDIT* Found a used M8000 for $65 and another for $100. They are mine now.

 

I would think that the vr8000 would be fine for occasional use, especially if you didn't keep it permanently mounted on your truck.
I believe the VR series has an IP67 rating, so I would be a little hesitant to leave it on the truck full time with as wet as it is around here for months at a time.

 

I picked up two used M8000's in the last week. One for $65 and one for $100. The $65 one is missing the solenoid box and controller, the $100 the controller and winch cable. I bought a contractor and new controller off Amazon for $250. So all and all I think I came out pretty good. I am assuming the $65 one needs a rebuild. I gave the $100 one a once over and looks great.

Here is the $100 one before I cleaned it up (unfortunately I did not take an after photo)


$100 winch mounted up with a new Contractor

 

Nice finds, did you get those off craigslist?
I'd be tempted to pull them apart and repack the grease, maybe put new seals in to keep them weatherproof.

 

One on Craigslist, the other on Offerup. I am going to pull them both apart and rebuild/regrease them and seal.

 

For $80 more than used, you can get a new M8000:

$1,161 Warn M8000 Self-Recovery 8000lb Winch - 26502

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-...tid=WAR26502&gclid=CIWN1pjZ49QCFU9gfgod_ggEuw

Might also watch for some July 4th sales.