Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 20:37:11 -0800
Reply-To: Pat Sloan <pmsloan@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Pat Sloan <pmsloan@SHAW.CA>
Subject: The Otter Has (CRASH) Landed!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Well Curses!!! We have these words for a reason, no?
Yesterday, I picked up my beautiful 1982 Volkswagen. I had paid for it on
Oct. 21 and turned it over to a highly recommended garage in Puyallup for a
full inspection and repair of whatever needed fixing while I went with a
friend to Wenatchee area for 10 days. They replaced the muffler and
catalytic converter and a few light bulbs and pronounced her ready to roll.
Took all day yesterday to drive it up to Vancouver and go through exporting
it from the US and into CAN. I named her 'Otter' and was looking forward to
eventual camping fun and maybe a Vanagon get-together.
Today I went for the final step - Prov. of BC inspection prior to
registering and insuring her. To my great surprise, she failed (!!!!) and
(Gulp). Here's what needs fixing:
1. Turn signals and 4-way flashers are blinking too quickly. Wiring
issue. A few hours work.
2. Left rear bumper missing corner. Allowing sharp edges to catch.
3. Fuel lines leaking fuel. Siliconed and held by electrical tape
4. Fuel filter not secured
5. Multiple stretches of loose wiring. Must be resecured.
6. Front wheel bearings have too much end play. Must be replaced.
7. Sway bar bushings are cracked - all 4.
8. Upper and lower ball joints all have split boots.
I wasn't at a VW garage since, of course, this inspection was only going to
be a formality. They estimated that the repairs needed would cost about
$3000. They referred me to Justin at Capilano VW for a more informed
opinion. I scanned the insp. report and sent it to him. Will hopefully find
out tomorrow, but not in love with the idea of paying dealer prices for
service.
So, I thought I would send this info to the Vanagon list for your informed
opinions.
I feel sick. Can't afford to put thousands more into this vehicle. It's my
own stupid fault for sure, but I had expected to hear this kind of thing
from the Puyallup garage before I ever left the US. Now the van has turned
into a pumpkin. No longer registered in WA or BC. Must be taken off the
streets or it will be impounded. (Gotta find a spot!) Meanwhile trying to
get enough facts to decide what to do.
Also, must try to find out if I have any recourse from the seller or from
Ebay. I know that used car sales are always asis, whereis, but this is
selling an unsafe vehicle, which I think may be different. To think that I
drove that sucker from Puyallup to Vancouver with leaky fuel lines, bad
wheel bearings, cracked sway bar bushings and split ball joints.
Any and all thoughts, ideas, interesting curses, etc would be welcome.
Thank you and Grrrr,
Pat
