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Date:         Sun, 27 Jan 2008 23:28:01 -0800
Reply-To:     Scott Daniel - Shazam <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scott Daniel - Shazam <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject:      Re: Value of '82 diesel
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <000201c8614b$413b83c0$0401a8c0@DADSTOSHIBA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

In the case of stock diesel vanagons, especially 82 ones, sure 'support system failures' like cooling system issues common lead to a head gasket problem...........that happens, but more the 'problem' with 82 DV's, especially that year, they are wringing their guts out to get anywhere anyway. And if you try to use them as a 60 mph vehicle much, that tears them up, the poor little 48 hp engines, though Frank Garunther did just fine with his, from new for a long time, but mostly, the engines just tear themselves up sort of .........the heads are delicate, piston and cylinders are a bit easily worn out, bottom ends almost never fail.

But start with a good engine, take really good care of it, service and inspect the rest of the vehicle, and it'll do pretty good for a number of years, think of it more as an up-to-55mph in town delivery type vehicle and you won't be asking way more than a stock one can deliver.

What are they worth...........for non-campers............$ 2,500 would be low. That 5K one in Maine............i didn't' see the miles, the seller claims it's 'basically perfect' - you never know, sometimes cars like that are on 15 year old shocks and the seller has no idea their tired, or ............whatever, but that one 'might' be worth 5K. I personally knock points off for that interior, especially the door paneling, and other people wouldn't care, and ok stock door panels aren't to hard to find. ...........so someone might get that for 4K or low 4's and be happy, and do well. For a dead stock 82............unless extra cheery, or special features like sunroof, 5 grand is, in my opinion the upper range, more or less. Rebuilt engine would increase that of course. ....... A 'stock 82' is the bottom of the range for diesel vanagons .........for engine power, for the trans........going up from there, 1.6 turbo engine, or 1.9 engine, DK trans, or an 83, or an 83 five- speed trans.........that adds of course. I started with a stock 82 GL, and did lots to it, and got a lot out of it for about 8 years. I'd say if someone could get a fully working decent, and no major things wrong and basically ok looking no rust one ..........a stock plane 7 passenger 82 diesel vanagon is a $ 4,500ish to a little more. Depending of course. But something like that. 4Kish to 5K in opinion. Like a 3K one would be only 'ok-ish' or you just stumbled into a bargain. I have a collectable one of that year, very original, nice refreshing colors - two tone yellow, full size sunroof, barely barely a ding anywhere, near showroom condition, doing a ring and valve job one the engine ( cracked head - common on those actually ) ..........will be for sale. I want well over 5K for it......... I think I like having it around more than I do the idea of selling it, and I keep it indoors full time in a nice dry climate. That's going to be one sweet very, very nice 82 diesel vanagon when I get done with it. I have the original window sticker, the salesman's business card from where it was sold new in Portland OR. There isn't a spec of rust on it anywhere. It's too nice to sell even - lol !! But sure man, find a pretty decent diesel vanagon, have it carefully inspected, and take really nice care of it, don't ask it to do lots more than it is comfortably capable of .........( or upgrade it ...........a nice .1.9TD and a DK air-cooled vanagon transmission, and it can go 65 all day ) ,........and you'll do all right. They do take, like all vanagons, special care and understanding, they are not a drive-it-into-the ground Dodge Van or Toyota Pick-up, but take care of it - you can do all right. And then you can start your Diesel Vanagon experience, and all the joys and challenges that go with that over time. But you can do very well with one if you understand it and really take care of it. It helps immensely if you can do a lot of the repair and maintenance yourself, of course. Scott www.turbovans.com

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Haynes Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 5:15 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Value of '82 diesel

Your points are valid. If the block saw enough wear to actually wear the cylinder walls the health of the rest of the vehicle is in question. Remember that most engine failures are caused by support system failures. The suspension and brakes are probably next and who knows about the tranny.

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Mark Drillock Sent: Sunday, January 27, 2008 6:20 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Value of '82 diesel

Historically, that is a lot for a stock diesel engine passenger Vanagon but diesels have gained a following in the last few years. The growing interest in alternate fuels is the big driver of the increased demand. Any 82 Vanagon could be expected to have a number of present or looming mechanical issues. At least this one should be somewhat of a known quantity and with a freshened engine. The engine is a weakness in the diesel Vanagon, no pun intended. Be sure to drive this one around a bit before deciding. It takes a special person to live with one.

82 diesels did not have the rear heater, only the floor duct which is easily removed. You can add easily add a rear heater if one is important to you. I would worry about the interior parts the least, since that stuff can be replaced by you easily enough.

The oversized pistons are most readily available at a lower price in the size he is using. While 1,2,3,4 oversizes are available the 2 and 4 sizes are much cheaper in my experience, even the stronger TD pistons.

Lots of VW diesel vehicles were owned by people who were to put it gently, FRUGAL. Expect a lot of neglected service and/or micky-mouse workarounds. Don't buy one from a distance without a close inspection first.

Mark

Edward Duntz wrote: > As some of you may have seen from a recent post, I am considering buying an '82 diesel Vanagon from my mechanic. He wants between $3,000 and $3,500 depending on what he does to it before selling it. I have been trying to find other diesel Vanagons to compare prices, but I have found very few. There is another on the Samba for $4,995, with custom upholstery. (That one is at a dealer.) There was another in Maine, but I forget the price. I can't find any similar for price comparison. The others I see are either Westfalias or non-running or both. > > This one is having an engine rebuild- I know that he's boring out for double oversized pistons- he says that single oversized aren't available. He's putting on a "known good head." I'm not sure yet what he's going to do in terms of shocks, brakes, suspension, etc. > > This one says GL on the back, but it doesn't have a rear heater, and it doesn't have the duct that diverts some of the front hear to the back via the area in between the seats. It has front seats that have the short armrests, which I assume are from a slightly later year. Did '82's have armrests? The seats show a lot of wear. > > It is a two-tone brown, with some rust, and just a small amount of seam rust at the rear. > > Has anyone seen any others recently for price comparison? > > If I don't buy it, he will likely put in on eBay. I'm not sure if I should make him an offer, or take my chances and see if I can get it for less when he puts it on eBay. > > Thanks, > Ed > _________________________________________________________________ > Shed those extra pounds with MSN and The Biggest Loser! > http://biggestloser.msn.com/


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