Date:         Wed, 29 Mar 2000 07:47:57 -0600
Reply-To:     k1cajun <k1cajun@PIPELINE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         k1cajun <k1cajun@PIPELINE.COM>
Subject:      value of 87 Vanagon (non-camper) ?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi, I'm a relatively new Vanagon owner - bought my 89 Westy in
November.  Since then, I've learned a bit about these buses.  Replaced
complete exhaust and CV's myself.  Had rebuilt engine put in.

I came across a local 87 Vanagon passenger van, standard transmission,
for sale at $750.  At first I looked at it as a parts vehicle.  But I
don't really need any parts other than some camper stuff, which this 87
wouldn't supply.  The body on the 87 was in good shape - no rust, few
dings.  So I'm considering buying it and using as a daily driver.  It
needs a taillight lens, and the bumper end cap due to a minor crash.  AC
does not work, owner says he doesn't know the fault.  It has an exhaust
leak which I traced to the flange on the front crossover pipe where it
joins the collector pipe.  He was told it needs a new cat converter.
Engine seems to run fine.  Needs cleaning up, but interior is
reasonable.  No obvious sign of head leak, though I know the odds are
good that it will develop one, but I figure at the price, who cares ?

So what does the list think ?  Is there enough value in the passenger
vans to buy this and do some repairs ?  The online car price guides seem
to say yes.

Dave L