Hello all, so as much research as I do online (google ect) I can never seem to find the answers for myself and always end up coming back to ask the experts (you guys and gals) So, here is my question..

I have a guy that is willing to part with a Warn winch for $350 (was alittle higher but we came to that price). Says he had it for a truck but got rid of the truck to buy a car and wants to be rid of the winch. It looks to be in good shape from the photo he sent me (I haven't seen it in person yet), though its not exactly close by, its not a bad price for the 2 hour drive. Problem is, im trying to find out more on the winch but I can't seem to find anything like it on Warn or on the forums (or google for that matter). He says its a "Warn M8000, in great condition and works perfect", yet only thing i've seen is a winch like such but in a Argent Gray Powder Coat (like on the Warn website) and its a XD9000i, this one seems to be in a black finish?? Maybe he painted it himself? Is this an older model or maybe he doesn't know what he's talking about? Do you think this may be a bad purchase or I should be cautious? Any help or info will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Here is the photo he sent me of the winch...

 

looks like older model - is it 4.8hp, 3-Stage Planetary

Do you have model number or serial #

 

I figured maybe it could have been an older model as well. I don't have the model number or serial, I will have to ask him for them tomorrow and I will post it on here if I can get it. I appreciate the swift reply none the less.

 

The silver tag says warn too, so not just the big red decal.

 

True, I actually hadn't noticed that till you mentioned it.

 

yep - it's a Warn, but from 2001 or ??

 

It looks like he took a painbrush or rattlecan to it. Even the wires are painted black. That doesn't mean it isn't a good winch though.

 

Test it before you buy it. It should take less than a minute to simply connect it your battery while it sits on the ground. Obviously, you can't attach it to anything to pull, but if the motor works, doesn't stink, and responds as it should, you're probably fine.

 

It looks like an xd9000i

 

X2: i agree with this.