Date:         Mon, 26 Sep 2005 01:57:21 -0600
Reply-To:     Craig Poole <craigmpoole@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Craig Poole <craigmpoole@MAC.COM>
Subject:      To Buy or not to Buy?   86 Vanagon Westfalia
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

Hi Folks,  I'm new to the list but hoping your combined wisdom will
help me make a choice on purchasing an older westy.

I have found an 86 Westy full camper located in a little town in
texas.    Kinda a long story but the owners bought the vehicle in
Florida this past July - intending to use same to get his kid and
friends to California and college.

Somewhere along I-20 in Texas they hit a bumper lying on the highway
and punctured the soft hoses for the coolant.     The kids left the
vehicle with a U-haul dealer, family bought them another vehicle to
continue the trip to California and now the vehicle sits fixed and
lonely in Texas.

I've gone over it pretty well,  no head leaks I could find, coolant
levels ok, drives well and except for needing work on the rear brakes
seems in very good condition for an 86.

The owners wanted $6400 for a 148,000 mile vehicle,   there is no
access to any maintenance records or previous problems.     The
interior and exterior check out really well,  couldn't find any rust
on the panels or around the windows.      I've negotiated them down
to $5900 but still am wondering if that's too much for a 19 year old
vehicle.

Soooooo,   would you buy it???   is $5900 to much or a reasonable
price??

Pictures are on my website at

http://homepage.mac.com/craigmpoole/PhotoAlbum8.html


thanks for your help in advance


craig poole

previously owned
1989 Vanagon GL Westfalia Syncro
1971 VW bus
1974 VW bus