Date:         Mon, 10 May 2010 18:27:09 -0700
Reply-To:     Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: any words of wisdom for a virgin to the world of westy's?
In-Reply-To:  <AANLkTikbqAe1GvuQSL4P_qUStUiB_l8MzdqzVhm3vSd0@mail.gmail.com>
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RE: Value and reliability in 'newer'
A couple of problems come with the 'newer' Eurvan based campers.  First,
mechanics hate to work on them, a real PITA.  And fewer VW mechanics are
even familiar with them. Second, parts are hard to come by, virtually all
must come from VW.  There is virtually no third party parts support, for two
reasons.  First, much much smaller population of vehicles (at least is N.
America) so no market and second, they weren't made for that long.
Consequently the parts are much more expensive than parts for a Vanagon.  Or
for a Bus for that matter.   And for initial purchase you will pay twice to
three times the price of a good Vanagon Westy for an EVC.  Some years back,
when I had to replace my '85 Westy, I looked at a couple of Eurovan campers.
For what they were asking for them I could buy a late model Vanagon Westy,
trick it out with everything I wanted in my rig, and still have several
thousand dollars left to be able to afford to actually use the thing.
One caveat to all I've said above: A Vanagon, like any older vehicle, will
need some continuing TLC to remain relaible.  But once 'squared away' can
give good reliable service.