Date:         Wed, 8 Oct 2003 14:49:06 -0400
Reply-To:     Jean-Pierre Le Cruguel <lecruguel@EPID.JGH.MCGILL.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jean-Pierre Le Cruguel <lecruguel@EPID.JGH.MCGILL.CA>
Subject:      Model/year recommandation
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Hi all,

I know this is a very wide question (and is asked often).

I have been thinking of a Westy (2nd generation) as a daily driver (I
cannot afford/park/maintain 2 cars).
I do not drive a lot. I live in town. I commute using a 50cc scooter now
and use my car/public transport for during the winter.
I want to use the westy to travel around during summer, and to go
camping during weekends.
I would like to use it as a daily driver to keep things easier. I do not
know yet for sure.

I live in Montreal (Quebec),  we get a lot of snow and rust is a major
problem, even if I try to prevent it. My car stays in the street. And
they tend to rust quickly.
The only thing I can do about that is: I could chose to store it and
rent a car (we have a decent coop to rent cars at a decent price, even
for small distances/time) for the 4 winter months. It'd be cheaper than
keeping a winter-beater I think.
I need my car a couple of times a week (unless I use it commute: 5 miles
each way)

My question is: what years/motor would you recommand?
I am thinking of ruling out the diesel (not worth to me). I do not drive
a lot, so cost is not a pb. But diesel engines keep going, so that's a
good point.
I think more of usability (more troubles in winter? power)

Syncro would be nice, but I think it is too expensive to deal with. I
love the driving of my passat syncro. But I think my money would be
better spent on other option for the west.

I read a bit about it. Air vs watercooled. etc. I heard of the Subaru
replacements too.
What would be your choice, if you had to do it again? People with severe
winter usage are very wellcome to answer.
Most Westies goes around 10,000$US here in Canada. +/2 or 3000$. Which
is in my budget. But I think you pay for what you get for, so I won't
mind investing a bit more.
I have seen some Eurovan starting at around $15,000. Most of the time
with the original engine, while you often get a redone one with allmost
similar priced vanagons. Is that worth to try to go with the third
generation?

JP