Date:         Wed, 30 Apr 2003 10:09:14 -0400
Reply-To:     Marshall Otter <motter@MBL.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marshall Otter <motter@MBL.EDU>
Subject:      Re: 1987 GL question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi Jennifer,

Based on my recent experiences buying an 86 GL ($3500) and then an 87 GL ($4000), I wished I had paid less, maybe $2000 to $2500 max.  The 86 had 130,000 miles on it and within months coolant started pouring out of the engine - possibly the water pump, but we were new parents of twins and I didn't have time to work on it and I couldn't get anyone to work on quickly.  So we bought the 87 (also with 130,000 miles on it) after having it checked out thoroughly by an Vanagon "expert".  And then, within months, the engine blew on the 87.  So, now after many bucks, we have a two vans in our driveway, one working pretty well (knock on wood), and the other now a parts car.  Remember, a 1987 vehicle is now 16 years old and many things can go wrong with it.  Based on our experiences, you will be putting significant amounts of cash into the vehicle after you buy it, so don't pay alot in the first place if possible. I estimate we have spent $12,000 or so just to get one decent running vehicle.  We are hooked on Vanagons obviously, or we wouldn't have bought a second one - we much prefer the design and the space when compared to any other vehicle out there.  And, theoretically, I can do most of my own work on it......

By the way, power locks that don't work may work sometimes and that can be a pain in the butt....make sure they are totally disconnected which is what I hope to do on my 87 this summer. Finally, we also have bits of rust here and there and I hope to deal with it this summer as well before it does become a problem which will happen fast here in the New England area.

Hope these comments help.

Marshall 

'87 GL Family Van
'86 GL Parts Van 

-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Ravary [mailto:JLRavary@MSN.COM]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 9:18 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 1987 GL question


Hi all -
What is a reasonable price to pay for a Gold Vanagon GL 1987 109,000 miles.
AC works, power locks do not. Cloth seats, pretty good shape.
Two owners, both known to me.
It is running well and there is only a bit of rust on the passenger side
where the panels fit together (2 places).
Is that indication of a more serious problem ?

Thanks,
Jennifer