My question to you would be, what is your time and frustration worth? After many years of going the "cheap" route (which seldom turned out to be "cheap") I now *gladly* pay a premium for a vehicle that has been meticulously maintained. The investment will pay dividends for many years rather than haunt you like the "cheap" ones will. If I cannot afford the premium one I prefer, I go without rather than trying to satisfy my desire on a limited budget. I'd love to tell the whole story about the "cheap" alternative to buying a beautiful early Bronco for $5,500 (instead I bought another Bronco for $450 at a lien sale auction). $16,000+ and four years later (plus much frustration and anguish), I still didn't have a finished project. (I wince whenever I think about that one) Brent Christensen '89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus" Santa Barbara, CA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Clark, Patrick" <PClark@northpoint.net> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2000 10:20 AM Subject: which option to pursue?
> I need some "guesstimations" from those in the know: > > I'm days away from making a decision on purchasing an '87 to '90 Westy and I > have two choices to consider: > > Option A is the cheap route: a decent van (from digital pics), site > unseen-- gambling on the mechanical condition and the amount of work to make > it reliable. > > Option B the expensive route: great van, new drivetrain, warranty, it's been > gone through professionally and it's ready for action, I'll be able to see > it and test drive it. > > Here's the rub: If I chose the cheap option and was in the van for > $5,000.00 what's my delta figure to bring the cheap van up to spec? (given > that I have neither the time nor space to do the work myself-- it would all > have to be farmed out). I realize this is dependant upon many many unknown > factors, but can anyone toss out a round figure? > > The ultimate goal is to determine if the delta on the cheap option brings > the total cost in under the expensive option-- and will it be worth the > effort.... > > Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. |
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