Date:         Mon, 12 Jan 2004 07:09:59 -0500
Reply-To:     hosel <hosel@QUIK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         hosel <hosel@QUIK.COM>
Subject:      (Help - my Van - A - Gone)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi,

I'd like get some advice on a replacement Vanagon for my "new" 90 GL
that was in top condition, that just got toasted by an oldie but goodie
pulling directly in front of me as I was cruising down life's highway.
It's been said, with truth, that it's better to purchase a car that has
higher miles, miles that were put on with proper  attention to
maintenance, then to get a lower mileage car where little care was spent
in the maintenance department. There's always exceptions but in general
this seems good advice.

I'm looking at a local "nice looking" low mileage Weekender (91k). The
price is soft but it has a sticker from some "Economy Motors" of Long
Island, NY on the back. It also has a 4" vertical seam of rust just
after the driver's door. Otherwise the paint is very nice. It has some
signs of mild rust under the van too. Like the two metal coolant supply
lines need to be replaced as well as the parking brake cables and the
separator bar (more the bar) they connect to.

So my first question is: How impacting can this type of rust situation
become. I realize the whole van could rust away, but the only external
sign at this moment is what I mentioned. Over the next 5 years, would
this become a large issue? It's pretty hard to answer that I realize..

My second question is if anyone on the east coast has a decent well
maintained van (preferably a weekender with that nice closet) contact me
with details privately.

That's it for me...

Jim in VA on the hunt

PS... I even though of getting a 93' Eurovan but they don't seem to have
a standard bad bed/seat, or quite the same amount of room, or the
solidness, nor the rear engine, nor the charm of the Vanagon... They do
go faster however...