Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 20:33:51 -0600
Reply-To: jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Subject: Re: 83 Adventurewagen update and story
In-Reply-To: <42C154E1.8090805@fyi.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
Known several people to get vehicles through the auction sites. Only rarely
have I heard of the type of problem like this one. I often hear of what
could be called differences of opinion on how much of a problem something is
though. One persons definition of good condition (referring to a van
heavily used but everything works) and another persons definition of good
condition (like it came of the dealers floor). These are usually cleared up
with proper questions before the sale with honest sellers. But this one
smells of out and out rip off.
Actually 1600 isnt too bad of a hit on an adventurewagon if the high top is
what you were after in the first place. The last couple that I saw with
running engines went for 5k plus and still needed a lot of work. Engines
arent that hard to locate and using it as a core would probably be
recommended. Mufflers and cats are expected replacement items so no real
loss there. New brakes, rotors, and new wheel cylinders are another
expected item to me when buying an older vehicle that I get that cheap. I
am happy when I donąt have to replace them. I would possibly have paid the
1600 for that van if it had been available locally to me. Transport for 300
miles shouldnąt be too hard to arrange.
jimt
On 6/28/05 7:47 AM, "Eric Zeno" <vw4x4@FYI.NET> wrote:
> Dan,
> This is exactly why, buying a vehicle on E-bait is nonsense.
> I'm very sorry to hear about purchases like this.
> Before you go any further make a list of every last detail
> that need fixxed or any type of work/ money. Leave no
> stone unturned. Make sure every light, window, door hindge,
> etc., etc., is functioning. Total it up and you very well may
> find its not worth fixing. At this stage take my advice and sell
> it for parts, or part the thing out yourself.
> You are only seeing the surface of the problems. Until you drive
> this thing you really have no idea of the many other issues.
> Its good to hear your honest about your E-bait experience on the list.
> Most are to embarrassed to post like this. I've tryed to warn many
> people about E-bait, and the over priced Vanagon, campers,
> ans especially camper/syncros, but this only lead to being sensored
> on the list.... go figure.
> Eric
>
>
>
>
> dan gordon wrote:
>
>> I booght a very beautiful Adventurewagen on ebay about a month and a half ago
>> for a cool $1600. Too good a price.
>>
>> It lives in upstate NY and I live in Philadelphia. The PO told me that while
>> it had been sitting, with some fresh gas and a quick fluid check she'd make
>> the trip back. Those of you who suggested I take a HD wrecker were right on
>> the money.
>>
>> Get this.. I get there and the van is gorgeous. Original KOA interior in
>> near perfect condition. Original curtains, camping gear screens, everything.
>> I am very impressed. I wanted to get some gas in her and start her up so I
>> asked for the ignition key from the PO. The gas tank had a locking cap.
>> After trying to open it with the only exsisting ignition key, I stopped and
>> rethought what I what doing. I didn't want half a key and no way to start
>> it. The PO suggested that he try so I could get everything ready to go. He
>> tries a little too hard and *snap* the key dies. Now I have no way of
>> knowing whether it will start or not... I have the van towed (because i'm an
>> idiot) to a nearby respectable VW garage in the hope of the PO paying for a
>> new ignition in the morning. After three days (and having to drive all the
>> way back to philly) I had not heard from the PO. I did hear from my mechanic
>> though. Motor blown, all wheel had seized from rusted brake lines, huge
>> rusted hole in the muffler. Those are the things he had theheart to tell me.
>> I don't know that rest.
>>
>> A huge dispute with paypal, ebay, my credit card and the PO. I win with
>> paypal and ebay... because non of these problems were revealed in the
>> description. I get $175 dollars back when paypal clears the PO's account.
>> Bummer.
>>
>> So now, instead of being "stuck" with the van, I would like to change my
>> attitude and be blessed with a near perfect van... here are the things I
>> would like to ask the group:
>>
>> 1. Can I really do the work to the engine of this van? I am handy and have
>> all my own tools already and can read pretty well.
>> 2. What are my options as far as a motor goes. Should I trade in my core and
>> buy a new one, or should I try to rebuild her myself.
>> 3. How do I get a high top van home 300miles from upstste NY.
>> 4. How do I do all thins without selling my guinea pig into slavery.
>>
>> Thanks everybody for support throguh this... if you have any questions or
>> help, please e-mail me
>>
>> dan
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
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