Date:         Mon, 8 Oct 2001 08:46:54 -0400
Reply-To:     Michael Nichols <msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Nichols <msnichols@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Best  Bus / Worst Bus...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

The best bus to buy is one that has been kept clean, not just cleaned and
Armor-alled (sic) for resale.  A kept clean bus shows long term care and
attention, pride of ownership, even environmental responsibility.  Some VW
folks laugh at the oil drop under their vehicles saying "VW's always mark
their territory..."  What they are not saying is that they are too
cheap/irresponsible/stupid to seek out and repair their oil  or coolant drip
at the source.  These drips are symptoms of problems, and if properly
addressed in a timely manner they can be fixed without breaking the bank.
In other words, these problems get worse, and do not go away on their own.
I would avoid Vanagons that  have in their  description  "Great stereo, good
vibes, alloys..."  I would definitely spend looking under the van with a
flashlight whilst resting comfortably on a drop cloth, and then look
carefully inside the engine compartment to see signs of regular care and
attention to service....cracked dripping hoses, goo on everything means poor
care and deferred maintenance for you to catch up on!

Regards,

Michael Nichols, Atlanta GA.
2--'81 air cooleds