I realize you were not TRYING to be offensive. I don't believe I took offense to your post as much as I felt a need to respond because you quoted me and suggested that people (I took that to mean me) who did not agree with paying this price really had no clue (I believe you said that we did not understand and went on to point out how long you have been bidding...in other words that you have more experience than many of us)...AND...you did suggest that people who don't want to pay big money ought to think about another hobby. You are right, you have no idea what I own and I don't have any idea what you own or have owned (although you gave me a bit of insight with your comment about 15 deuces at $7,500 per truck)...and it sounds like we each could not really care.
FYI...unless your buddy is tax exempt in VA, he paid $6,800 plus the 10% bidder's fee ($680) plus 5% tax ($374) for a sum total of $7,854, NOT $7,482. Also, figure in his cost to retrieve the truck...either shipping or food and fuel (plus his time). I really could not care how much he ends up having in it as I don't have a dog in this fight. I was only commenting, as others have as well, that I could not believe how high the truck went given what others have gone for. I suppose you also followed the trucks in AL and MS that sold recently...all of which went for at or below $5K, including another winch truck. The winch truck in AL went off on 5/7/09 and sold for $3,600 plus the fees and tax.
I will state again that your buddy got a nice tractor and got it for less than retail. I am going to let this post go because we have two opinions and we are both entitled to them. Neither is wrong...neither is right. I wish your buddy luck with his truck.