Date:         Tue, 12 Jun 2001 09:36:53 -0400
Reply-To:     "Royston, Jerry" <gmr@OBPA.USDA.GOV>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Royston, Jerry" <gmr@OBPA.USDA.GOV>
Subject:      Re: Long distance Vanagon buying
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Thought I'd churp in about this topic since I recently bought my '87 Westy
long distance (200 miles away).  While I too tried to prepare myself to walk
away from the van if I didn't like it, I knew at some level that I was gonna
buy it.  I wasn't going all the way to Newark for nothing!  Getting accurate
pictures is key.  Initially, the seller sent me some wide shots that got me
pretty excited because it really looked good and he could sense my interest.
Remember, there is also pressure on the seller to represent his vehicle in a
fairly accurate way or else he will have one irate person on his hands who
travelled a long way.  Apparently feeling this pressure, my seller
voluntarily sent me some follow-up close up shots detailing some of the rust
spots and other imperfections.  I was able to get the price down even more
before going to see it but at least I had a more realistic expectation.  But
remember, and this is very important psychologically, once you travel long
distance to see a van, the advantage goes to the seller because you know you
want to bring it home and you're willing to accept alot of little problems.
I think it would be very hard to walk away unless it's a total piece of
junk.  Just my two cents.

Gerry Royston
'87 Westy