Date:         Wed, 5 Sep 2001 07:11:58 -0700
Reply-To:     Bob Thompson <bobthom@PREMIER1.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob Thompson <bobthom@PREMIER1.NET>
Subject:      advice needed on a purchase
In-Reply-To:  <200109050937.CAA04560@spok.premier1.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

Hi, There!

I'm Bob Thompson, in Marysville, WA.  I'm new to this list, and I'm
considering buying a Westy, for the first time. I've owned an old VW bus
more years ago than I care to admit, but nothing recently.  I need some
advice on making a decision on a purchase.

I'm currently looking at 2 of them.  One is a 1984, water cooled engine,
body and canvas are in good condition. I didn't notice any leaks under the
engine. Brakes need work. 40,000 miles on a rebuilt engine.  I've seen this
one and have driven it. Runs good.  It has the backup electrical system and
a propane heater.  When I went to see it, I was told by the owner that
everything worked OK, but when we checked out stuff, neither the water pump
(for the sink, not the engine), nor the fridge worked (I didn't try running
the fridge on propane, only AC and DC). None of the led indicators inside
came one either.  The owner is currently asking $5,500 for it, but is
willing to come down because of the brakes, and he's trying to find out
what's wrong with the fridge and pump.  We think it might be fuses since
there were 2 fuses blown, #12 and I think the other one was #8.

I haven't seen the other one yet, only talked to the owner on the
phone.  I'll be looking at it tonight.  It is a 1977, aircooled, 20,000
miles on a rebuilt engine.  The interior has been completely restored by
Bow Wow.  No stove or heater, and and the water pump for the sink is
strictly manual.  The owner is currently asking $4,500 for it.

My wife likes the idea of the second one because of the lower miles on the
engine, and she thinks it may become a collecter's item or classic if we
can hang on to it.  I'm thinking of the first one for the functionality.

If anyone has any opinion on which one would be the better deal, I'd
appreciate it.

Thanks,

Bob Thompson


Bob
===
I will not cease from Mental Fight
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.

Bob Thompson
bobthom@premier1.net