Date:         Tue, 26 Aug 2003 08:13:01 -0400
Reply-To:     Sean Solowiej <sean@ORIGINALIDIOT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Sean Solowiej <sean@ORIGINALIDIOT.COM>
Subject:      91 Westy for sale in NY $8000 (not mine)
In-Reply-To:  <BB70432A.14029%Solowiej@hotmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I found an ad in a local (NY) paper, checked it out, thought I'd put it out
there for all.  Other than test-driving his Westy, I don't know this guy and
have no reason to mis-represent it.  That said, I'm not perfect so here are
the details and my impressions:

1991 White Vanagon Westfalia, $8000, by original owner Kurt 914-949-2605.
125k miles, odometer still working.  Has all the '91 goodies:  14" alloys
with newish tires, pwr windows (working), pwr mirrors, a/c (said to work,
did not test), factory radio with cassette.  Cruise control on the signal
levers (didn't test it).

Antenna is broken off, there are blotches of touch-up paint all over this
thing, the undercarriage body seams are rusting, not badly yet but rust is
there, also under a couple of window seals.  A paint job would keep it under
for a while.  It started fine and ran strong.  I saw no signs of head or
even oil leakage.  It cranked a bit longer before re-starting hot.  Kurt
says the engine was replaced approximately 20k ago with a factory rebuilt
longblock smuggled in from Germany.  I'm inclined to believe him.  The
shocks are super soft and need replacing, though I'd drive it cross-country
as it is.  The brakes, however, are also soft and go nearly to the floor
before grabbing much.  Count on brake work.  The clutch (yes, it's a
4-speed) also happens right down at the floor.  It was strong enough on an
uphill start, so maybe just adjustment (isn't this hydraulic?), but I bet it
needs a new clutch soon.  The grey tent had one big tear in it that's been
duct-taped.  Both tables are there, and the stove really has never been
used.  Still has plastic coating on the inside cover.  The upholstery looks
ok to me, but overall the interior is well used and could use some big
cleaning.  (Mine looks like that too...)

I offered him $4000 for it, not because he should sell it for that little
but because that's the most I could possibly have paid.  Somebody should buy
it.  It's white.
I have 4 pics to send if somebody can explain to me how to get them in the
group's file area.  Otherwise I can email them around.  But be warned:  my
impression from these pictures was better than the impression I had from the
van up close.

Sean