Date:         Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:40:26 -0800
Reply-To:     Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Reality Check on New & Better VW Campers
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 We can all drool and dream about a 'New VW Camper' but let me pose this
question.  How many on this list have a pocketbook that would allow us to
run out and buy one if they showed up at the VW (or RV) dealer tomorrow?
I'm willing to bet, based on other Class B campers on the market in the US
and Canada, that the minimum you would see on the window sticker is around
$65 k and more likely around $85k.  Look at what the Class Bs on a Sprinter
chassis marketed by Airstream a few years ago were going for: $95k!!.
Many, if not most of us, are driving Vanagons not only for their utility but
because of their cost.  Even with what we have to spend (time and money) on
keeping them running they are in an affordable range for a much greater part
of the population than buying a new Class B.  A good example is a close
friend of mine.  A couple of years ago she wanted a travel and camp
vehicle.  She was really interested in a Class B but was well aware of the
trials and tribulations of a Westy so went looking for a new rig.  And found
that she could buy a 23 foot Class C for about $20k less than a good Class
B!!  And so she now drives a 23 foot Itasca.  BTW, she also regularly
attends WetWesties events as an SOB (Some Other Brand) but puts a home made
VW logo on the grill!