Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 12:36:44 -0600
Reply-To: Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ben McCafferty <ben@KBMC.NET>
Subject: Re: Seeking Advice (long)
In-Reply-To: <p05111711b9084cf2827b@[144.92.175.113]>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
I'm sure you'll get as many opinions on this as you do responses, but here
goes nonetheless.....
I think you will get a very poor price for her as is. There are several red
flags--why are so many things worn out in such low mileage, and why did the
original engine need to be replaced at 53K? Why does the propane tank need
replacement? Skylight? This, plus the hole you mentioned, point to a
pretty hard past life for your hoopey--driven hard, not maintained, and
probably not garaged. In that condition, a buyer will have to plan on
replacing lots of stuff, and will insist on a low price as a result.
I also agree that if you invest in all the things needed to make her nice
again, you probably won't recover your investment. My experience is that
you get maybe 50% of your expenses back in increased resale value. In your
case, however, the van sounds like it's pretty rough, and won't fetch a very
good price to begin with. It might be that some basics will make the van
more saleable. If it were me, I'd probably do tires (5-700), CVs (4-500 if
you do them yourself), driveshaft (4-650, depending on what type you get),
and maybe front diff (500 rebulid) depending on what it's like now, brakes
(100), Viscous coupling (820). I would also be prepared to answer questions
on the condition of the tranny. Install the skylight and propane tank, as
well as the shocks. Change the coolant and use the correct stuff to replace
it. Let's say worst case scenario, the above items cost you $3250. Before
investing that amount, I would be surprised if you get more than about
$5,000 for the van. After doing those things, you might see $10,000 or
more. As you may know, a pristine late syncro westy will often fetch
$18-23K. So if you have the time and desire, I think you might come out a
bit ahead, but you may just wish to let the next owner take on the project
instead of you. I always have a hard time fixing a car up and then selling
it, because I think the more blood, sweat, tears and curse words you put
into it, the more it becomes a part of you and harder to let it go.
I am a finicky buyer, and if it were me, I probably wouldn't buy your van.
If I knew the history, and you had done all the above work, I definitely
wouldn't buy it, because if I'm taking on a marginally maintained vehicle, I
want to see all the repairs with my own eyes and know exactly what to expect
when I hit the brakes, etc. As a buyer, I would also much prefer to see the
hole in the side than to see bondo and new paint. Again, I want to know
exactly what I'm dealing with.
Easiest thing is probably just to sell it as is. Best of luck with the
present situation, and take care.
bmc :)
"Faith will move mountains, but you'd better bring a shovel...."
> From: Robin Davies <rodavies@FACSTAFF.WISC.EDU>
> Reply-To: Robin Davies <rodavies@FACSTAFF.WISC.EDU>
> Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 13:00:30 -0500
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Seeking Advice
>
> Hey Vanamaniacs,
>
> Former lister(still have my Vanagon@Lenti sticker) back for some advice.
>
> My Syncro Westie (Leslie-1987 edition). Is having some front end
> problems and I am planning on letting her go. It seems the CV joints
> need to be replaced and the drive and differential are also showing
> signs of old age. Leslie had a complete VW rebuilt longblock
> installed 30k miles ago. Current mileage is at 83k. All the camping
> components work great. Fuel gauge sending unit doesn't work. A/C
> hasn't been recharged in forever and I'm sure the seals are shot, but
> it never worked great anyway. Goodrich AT sneakers are pretty worn
> out. Has the Projektzwo foglight/grill installed. Sony CD player and
> Sony speakers all around. I also have extra brand new front shocks
> and a skylight (uninstalled) and a used propane tank (also
> uninstalled). Have another longblock(boat anchor) too for that
> matter. The other big fault on Leslie is that the PO punched a major
> gouge in the drivers side by the camping hook-ups. Doesn't effect
> performance, but it ain't pretty.
>
> Question then is what do ya'll suppose she is worth as is? Anybody
> interested? I can provide pix and I have all the documentation on
> repair history.
>
> or
>
> Should I fork over the big bucks and get her running smooth again and
> then try to sell? This to me is always risky as the investment I make
> may not come back in my favor.
>
> And the response: "fix the van and keep driving her" is not a
> reasonable option. Leslie must go due to "family" breakup scenario
> that is so common in America now a days...
>
> All suggestions/offers are welcome.
>
> R.
> --
> R. Davies UW-Madison Biochemistry Media Lab
> Bread and Butter: http://www.biochem.wisc.edu/medialab
> Fun and Games: http://www.newlow.org
> German Shepherd Rescue: http://www.bgsr.org
> The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up.
>
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