Date:         Fri, 2 Nov 2001 15:47:23 -0800
Reply-To:     Hans Bos <hbos@MDRCSF.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Hans Bos <hbos@MDRCSF.ORG>
Subject:      What to buy?  Many "buying guide" questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Dear list members (and Vanagon experts),

I have searched the archives for answers to these questions, but only found topics concerned with the pros and cons of water vs. air.  So, here goes:

I am thinking of replacing my too-large Toyota motorhome with a Westfalia camper (after renting one in Hawaii and being very pleased with the size and driveability).  In addition to the motorhome I currently own an old beetle convertible and I'm thinking of replacing the beetle with some kind of Westfalia that I can actually park in front of the house and use to get groceries as well as take camping for weekends.  The eternal question is what to buy?  I could spend some money on this project (not as much as a new Eurovan), but of course I would try to spend as little as possible and still be fairly comfortable.  I am very flexible (i.e., I don't really know what I want).  

Here are my questions: 

Aesthetically and emotionally, I think I would prefer a Bay Window Type II (bus) instead of a Vanagon.  What are the advantages of getting an aircooled Vanagon instead?  (I live in California, so I'm assuming I can find a 70s Type II with a decent body.)  Are Vanagons considerably more comfortable or powerful than Type IIs?

If I did decide to get a Vanagon, how would I go about finding one that is technically sound?  Do I need to be more careful with the aircooled ones or with the water-cooled ones?  Are there any shops or used VW dealers in the Bay Area that specialize in Vanagons and buses?

Is there any reason not to get an older Eurovan instead?  (I've seen 93s and 94s that are not much more expensive than the newer Vanagons).  Are there things to watch out for when looking at Eurovans?  If you had $10k, would you rather buy an excellent Vanagon or a good Eurovan?  

Thanks for your help.

--Hans Bos (San Francisco, CA)