Date:         Sun, 24 Dec 2000 15:41:52 -0800
Reply-To:     kmkiester@USWEST.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karen Kiester <kmkiester@USWEST.NET>
Subject:      novice seeking enlightenment
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello,
I am considering buying a VW camper van.  I'm guess I'm in
my midlife crises and want to reconnect to those things that
I used to do and love.  And camping is one of them but not
roughing it too bad.  I have never own a VW camper but it
seems like what would work well for me.  Because this will
also be my primary vehicle.  I like the pop up and the size
of the vans.  So please share with me what you can.  Think
of it as VW Camper Van's 101.

I cannot afford a brand new one, at least until I hit the
lottery (I'm not holding my breathe there!).  So what should
I look for (I've seen the notes about the head gasket)?  Are
any years better than others (or is this really opening up
opinions rather than facts ;-)  What are good features to
have?  I've heard that some people don't like the stove
because of the cooking smells in the van.  They would rather
use a Coleman stove.

I don't work on cars - I'm kind of a girlie girl but not too
much.  So all work will be done by a mechanic.  I've found
some information on the web.  But if you know of other sites
please pass those along.  And if you know of any books, I'd
also like to know about them.  I'm a computer program so I
research and analyze.  I'm not in a hurry to purchase.  My
first trip in planned for late July.

Thank you in advance for your wisdom and your time.
Blessings and Joy to you and your families this holiday
seaons.
Karen Kiester (yes, like get up off it - it helps one to
have a great sense of humor and not take life too seriously
- in emails I go by k)