Date:         Sun, 29 Oct 2000 03:08:44 -0800
Reply-To:     Jonathan Lee <jrlee@MAILANDNEWS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jonathan Lee <jrlee@MAILANDNEWS.COM>
Subject:      last questions on 84 Vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Last questions -- promise!

My back is really against the wall now.  By Tuesday, I MUST have a
vehicle with which to move harpsichords.  The alternative van I had in
mind simply won't work (for one thing, it won't currently crank).  So,
the Vanagon is left as my only option, unless I want to scramble for
something else within the next few days.

My questions are these:
What are my chances that I might buy this Vanagon for $1800, and invest
very little money in it between now and May?  Even February might
justify the purchase -- I just can't buy a van and invest money in it
next week . . . or next month.
    Please keep in mind that the daily driving would be quite light.  On
the days that I go into San Francisco, the thing would get driven 44
miles on the freeway (granted, the morning traffic is stop-and-go).  On
the days I don't go in, the Van would get driven about 15 miles a day.
So, we're talking 200 miles per month here, plus a few gigs moving
instruments 100-200 miles every other month.
   So, are my chances in the 90% range?  The 50% range?  The 3% range?
   If I choose to buy the Vanagon, how much will a coolant change cost
(in Northern California)?
   If the head gaskets go, how much will that job cost (in Northern
California, again)?
   If I choose to buy the Vanagon and hate it, will it sell for $1800 in
a few months?  I've noted that, here in Berkeley, somebody is selling an
'84 Synchro that needs a new engine for $6,900.  Perhaps they're a bit
nuts, but that gives me some hope that the Vanagon I'm considering is at
least worth what I'm paying for it. . .

best,
Jon
---
Jonathan Rhodes Lee
jrlee@mailandnews.com