Date:         Tue, 16 Jul 2002 19:17:12 -0700
Reply-To:     lamusicamellama@JUNO.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Les Shiaman <lamusicamellama@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      my van quest:  how low can I ask?
Content-Type: text/plain

Greetings Listees -

I am rethinking my westy mindset and considering purchasing a straight
vanagon.  Today I saw a burgundy model from 1990.  I think it may require
major work in the near future.  Here's what I saw:

Body is nearly perfect.
Interior in fine shape.
Needs new tires.
7 passenger/fold-down bed

**Engine(the pluses and minuses)**
        -Broken vacuum hose (top of engine) - some oil on top
        +Heads/gaskets done 8 years ago
        -Owner (original) used QMI (teflon oil additive -- some say it is bad to
use)
        -Unknown mileage ( Owner claims 190,000 on it.  Broken odometer reads
179,000)
        +Feels ok, seems to run strong.  Took well to a major hill.
        -Owner doesn't change coolant on regular basis (can't remember last
time)
        +regular oil changes

Recently had clutch installed.
Unsure about having tranny fluid changed.

Overall the van looks and drives good.  It probably hides its symptoms
mind you.  Owner admits to not driving it much in the last few years.  I
think this spells major trouble with that high mileage and no rebuild.
But if i can get a good deal I might go for it.  Owner is asking $4,000.
He says he's negotiable in light of obvious needed replacements/repairs
(i.e. tires, hose, odometer)  BTW is it legal to sell a vehicle without a
working odometer?  Speedometer does work.  Believing the owner, 190,000
miles is a bit high no?

My heart is not set on this one, but if I could buy it for, oh, say
$2,000 then what the hell.

Thanks,

Les
Trek 800

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