Date:         Fri, 30 May 2003 22:20:43 -0500
Reply-To:     John Doherty <johndoherty@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Doherty <johndoherty@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Carat question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I'm new to this list so if my question(s) have been discussed here many
times, apologies in advance.

I purchased a Vanagon GL new in 1985 (taking delivery of it in Europe).  I
still own it and it has 160,000 miles.  I like the car a lot. As I am about
to retire I evaluated a number of 'luxury sedans' for my old man retirement
car.  Didn't like any of them anywhere near as much as my vanagon.  I'm
talking Mercedes, beemers, Lincolns, caddys, etc.

However, I am ready for some of the 'luxury' features that are found in the
Carat but not my Vanagon.  Power windows, cruise control, electric rear view
mirrors, etc.

My idea is to find a Carat with a solid body and have it restored.  I can't
do it myself, so I need advice on where to have this done.  Is there an
company  in the United States that specializes in restoring Vanagons/Carats?
Geography is not a problem since I don't mind traveling.

Then, where would be the best place to watch for a suitable Carat for sale
anywhere in the US?  (although I would favor west coast or southwest cars
due to the rust issue.)  A Carat that would be a good candidate for
restoring.  I am presently watching Ebay but so far haven't found a suitable
one, and I have done numerous google searches and haven't had any luck in
that regard.

An alternative would be for me to buy an already restored Carat if someone
could point me in that direction.

(By the way I also own a 1993 Eurovan MV - love my Vanagon, hate the
Eurovan.)

John D