Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 12:04:53 -0800
Reply-To: Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Subject: Re: '88 Westy value?
In-Reply-To: <41D3094E.1060206@mchsi.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Al,
It is interesting to hear you say that, as that is how my wife feels also. She loves the
'88 interior, with armrests, nicer finishing, etc. I do too, but since we use the van only
a few months of the year in reality, I am prepared to make a sacrifice, especially
since I can always replace the interior with newer style for $600-1000.
It's not just fuel economy, although that is part of it. I just love diesels (I learned to
drive on them), and have wanted a diesel Westy ever since getting the '88. The 2.1L
has been amazingly good for us in 8 years, with no problems aside from the ECU
issue (knock on wood). But that ECU issue plagued us for SIX years of intermittent
misfires, always wondering when it would just die, before I finally tracked it down.
Diesels just don't have those kind of problems. Much of our driving is in remote
areas, so a simple engine design is very desirable.
But to be honest, I've only driven the '82 three times, since I only put a 24 hour permit
on to get it home. So I really don't know how happy we would be with the '82 in the
long run. Suspension differences, and lack of power steering might become issues
after a while, and might become critical when driving the very rough roads we often
travel on. (although lack of P/S means I don't have to rig up a P/S pump on the TD
engine...). So far, most of the differences inside appear cosmetic, with a lot more
painted surfaces showing on the '82, but aside from lack of armrests, I don't see
much functional difference.
I appreciate the feedback, as I'm sure this issue is going to gnaw away at me for a
while. It might take a few camping trips in the '82 to make the decision...
On 29 Dec 2004 at 13:45, Al and Sue Brase <albeeee@mchsi.com> wrote:
> Shawn:
> As a long time owner of both a 1.6 diesel and several 2.1 waterboxers, I
> can not believe you'd be satisfied to move BACK to the earlier car. I'd
> recommend you spend some time living with the 82 before selling the 88.
> If it's fuel economy you are after, just put a block of wood under the
> gas pedal of the 88 so you only get half throttle. Really. 1/2 of 95 hp
> is 47.5hp. close enough to save some gas.
> Al Brase
>
> Shawn Wright wrote:
>
> >The arrival of an '82 Diesel Westy might force us to make a difficult
> >decision: parting with our '88 Westy, which has been part of our family
> >since 1996. Earlier, I asked about the feasibility of swapping the 2.1L WBX
> >into the '82, and selling it. I was doubtful about this, and am even more so
> >now. So another option is to sell our '88, and use the proceeds to fix up
> >the '82, possibly with a newer interior.
> >
> >I'd appreciate any feedback on this, including any rough value estimates
> >on our '88:
> >-Total kms, 380,000, 2nd owner, all receipts since new.
> >-VW reman 2.1WBX at 166k, engine now has ~220k kms, but runs strong,
> >burns/leaks no oil, nor any coolant leaks.
> >-Body repainted 8 years ago, paint in good condition.
> >-GL model, PS, PMirrors, rear wiper, no A/C.
> >-Camping equipment in good condition, showing some wear.
> >-Seats in v.good condition.
> >-New KYB shocks, all front end bushings
> >-Rebuilt 4sp with brand new ring&pinion ($2000 spent @ 350k kms)
> >-good tires, original wheel covers on 14" rims.
> >-all new brakes done @ 300k (new drums & rotors)
> >-Drives very strong and tight, run on synthetic oil & longlife coolant
> >changed every 2 years since '96.
> >
> >Location: Victoria, BC.
> >Any comments or estimates of fair value appreciated.
> >Thanks.--
> >Shawn Wright
> >I.T. Manager
> >Shawnigan Lake School
> >
> >
> >
>
>
--
Shawn Wright
I.T. Manager
Shawnigan Lake School
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