Looking at a Miller 200LE AEAD...may be trash, may be treasure.

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Hello everyone. I'm going to look at an older Miller AEAD in a few days and I need a little advice. Basically, I have no idea how much something like this is actually worth.From the pictures, it looks pretty beat up. I'm guessing it's an older model...like perhaps mid eighties or even earlier. I really haven't spoken to the guy much. I feel like I need to see it in person to fairly judge.He says it needs TLC and from the pictures I believe him.Let's say that it welds and it makes power. Maybe it runs rough and maybe it needs new cables and clamps. What would you guess would be a rough ballpark on something like this? High and low, etc. I just need a sense of perspective. He doesn't list a price he just says make me an offer but I don't want to waste his time or mine.Looking through the local ads I see several 110V units for sale but I already have one of those. I also see several Lincoln "Tombstone's" for sale but the generator/welder combo would be much more practical for me since I don't have 220V in my garage (and I need a generator anyway). What do you guys think?
Reply:Would have helped if you could have posted up a couple of those "needs TLC" shots but if it doesn't run and/or doesn't weld/generate I wouldn't pay more than $1-200 based on your description.If it runs and welds/generates maybe as much as $4-500 - again based on your description of it being "pretty beat up" and how badly I want/need it.If it comes with leads, actual final offer price would depend on the above and lead length, size and condition.  Sometimes leads are worth more than the welder itself.If a seller won't state an asking price and insists on one making an offer then I don't worry about insulting them with a low ball figure.  It usually gets them off the fence and indicate what they'd like to get for the item or they hang up or close the door.Just my $.02.BTW - welcome to the forum. MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Thank you for the welcome duane. Your point about the cost of the leads really gives me something to consider. Here's the pics I have.Looks like it's lived outside most of it's life but this is the high desert so very low humidity.
Reply:Ditto what Duane said, especially regarding leads.If it welds, (try all three currents and different voltage settings),makes power (both 120 and 220),auto idle works,I'd offer $250 and see where he stands.In today's economy, sadly, more and more people are selling off their collection.If you have time and are so inclined, run a compression test on the engine and at least make sure both cylinders are equal, or close to it.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Doesn't look too bad.If that Onan runs, doesn't smoke and it produces power I stick to my $4-500 as a top figure but would start with $200 if he insists on you making an offer first.The missing muffler on one side gives me cause for concern as that cylinder may have taken on rain water unless it's been covered.Those were definately a nice unit and have served many an owner well for years.Keep us posted.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:I hadn't even noticed the missing muffler! Looks like it's missing the wheels as well.  Yes I'll update this thread after I go look at it. If it runs and seems fixable I'll offer $2-$250 and see what he says. Thanks guys.