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
In-Reply-To: <000201c8614b$413b83c0$0401a8c0@DADSTOSHIBA>
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In the case of stock diesel vanagons, especially 82 ones, sure 'support
system failures' like cooling system issues common lead to a head gasket
problem...........that happens, but more the 'problem' with 82 DV's,
especially that year, they are wringing their guts out to get anywhere
anyway. And if you try to use them as a 60 mph vehicle much, that tears
them up, the poor little 48 hp engines, though Frank Garunther did just fine
with his, from new for a long time, but mostly, the engines just tear
themselves up sort of .........the heads are delicate, piston and cylinders
are a bit easily worn out, bottom ends almost never fail.
But start with a good engine, take really good care of it, service and
inspect the rest of the vehicle, and it'll do pretty good for a number of
years, think of it more as an up-to-55mph in town delivery type vehicle and
you won't be asking way more than a stock one can deliver.
What are they worth...........for non-campers............$ 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
> _________________________________________________________________
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