Date:         Fri, 8 Jun 2001 14:49:10 -0600
Reply-To:     DrCory <drcory@IGLIDE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         DrCory <drcory@IGLIDE.NET>
Subject:      long-distance Vanagon buying (I did it)
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I recently bought an '85 Vanagon long distance and can relate my success
and recomendations.

1) know what you want and be willing to say 'no'(I spent a year and a half
looking, with 2 near misses.)
2) Get pictures. (no further explanaition needed)
3) Be bold and ask questions. (Pics of mine showed an '86 grill on the '85.
suspecting collision, I asked. found out about the new engine (inline 4)
and transmission (5 speed) that was not in the original info!!!)
4)Don't fall 'in love' with it just yet. (in all of the pictures, there was
none of the right rear quarter. I was so thrilled I never noticed the
absence. So I didn't see the minor damage over the rear wheelwell until I
picked it up. Also, the mileage was off from advertised.)
5) Be sure you get all proper paperwork. (I called local DMV and my
insurance Before, to be sure I had a list of all that I would need.)
6) Expect that the car will not be perfect. Know what is important and what
you can tolerate. (Aside from the minor body damage, mine had a dead
airconditioner compressor and an exhausr leak.)
7) Since its long distance, price and logistics of delivery will need to be
considered. (I flew out and drove back. Added $250 to the price.)
8) Run the VIN.  maybe should be #1.(CARFAX.com. $20. don't get cheap on this)
9) If its not what you expected upon pick-up be ready to walk away. This is
the first 'in person' inspection you will likely have.(flew to SF to pick
up mine to drive home. all through the flight out I was mentally prepareing
my self to fly back if needed. see #4)

I also had a few pleasant surprises. with the new engine came some upgrades
in the electrics that I couldn't see and didn't know to ask. dual
batteries, new stereo, additional sound insulation.

I did pay for the engine and trans. but based on the jaw drop of my Vanagon
Mechanic,  and even though I'll be spending more to fix those other issues,
I believe I got a good deal.

In conclusion, when buying long distance, keep your wits and think it
through. Work out the logistics of transfer and be willing to say no. After
all there are a lot of these vans out there.

Cory Hawkins
'85 Eurospec Conversion "Spunky"

--------------------
Life is not what happens to you...
But how you choose to respond to it!!!