Date:         Fri, 27 Jun 2003 16:10:24 -0400
Reply-To:     "rmstewart@mac.com" <rmstewart@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "rmstewart@mac.com" <rmstewart@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Looking at used car and have some questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

Hi Everyone!

Just got back some photoıs that I had an local auto inspector take of a used
carat in Florida that I am interested in. Itıs an 89 Carat, looks good but a
couple of things needs fixing and I need advice. I posted images of the van
for you too see on my a web-page at the following address:
http://homepage.mac.com/rmstewart/PhotoAlbum11.html

1. On the passenger side, the gray body molding right after the sliding door
is missing, itıs a 1     ft section just before the rear tire. How much is
that piece and does anyone have one?

    Is it something I can put on myself? I included a photo. ³missing
plastic needed²

2. The current owner did some customization on the driver side door and
added a wood panel around the power window controls, it does not look right,
does it look like it could be removed easily? Apparently the owner fixed the
window motor himself on that side and could not get it fit properly so he
added this piece. See photo ³wood panel cover²

3. The passenger side window will not operate, the owner does not know if
itıs a power issue, motor issue or bad fuse. Whatıs the cost for a new power
motor, assembly and repair?

4. The sliding door sticks, whatıs the best way to fix this? WD40? Grease?
Are there ball bearing that need to be replaced? If so what the cost? Best
way to fix?

5. The inspector says the new paint job has orange peel look on some areas,
what does this mean? Just a cheap paint job? How could I ever fix this?

6. Whatıs a tune-up cost for a Carat van, complete fluid change for the
transmission, brakes, oil, the whole thing? I am on the east coast, but was
thinking of having it done in Florida, as I thought it might be cheaper.

7. The floor is stained with something, I included a photo ³ stained
floors², could I just use a steam cleaner on it to clean it up? If not I was
thinking of just replacing the carpets.

8. The cigarette lighter is missing, whatıs this costs to replace? Anyone
have one?


Lastly does anyone know of any good mechanics near Lake City Florida?

Thanks in advance to everyone for your valued advice to a first time van
purchaser.

Regards to all, 

Robert
NYC