Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:11:14 -0500
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: first time buyer
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTi=wmJLLQ5i3-uVJd1CoGvbnsgLTzVrG0tE=6yEK@mail.gmail.com>
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A number of folks have already given advice and I'll add some more
perspective. I may come across a bit negative but I am really trying to
raise awareness. Good preparation both financially and mechanically are keys
to really enjoying these fine vehicles.
All vehicles for sale have one thing in common. Their current owners no
longer want them. Your mission is to find out why. Resellers are there to
profit from the transaction from past owner to new owner. Some add value,
many don't. Most hide why it was for sale to begin with.
Whatever you pay consider it the down payment or cost of admission. The more
you do on your own, the better. If you need to outsource work do not expect
to pay list vendor prices on parts and most labor will be ~$100/hour. Get a
good towing plan if you plan to travel far from home. This goes for any
vehicle.
Low mileage is not always a good thing. Things that sit unused fall apart
when pressed into service.
Yes 86 and up is desirable. Larger engine, better cooling system including
oil cooler, larger front brakes, usually power steering. Better fuse box,
larger battery cable, etc.
85 and earlier with 4 speed do offer better fuel economy, especially without
power steering or AC. Avoid air cooled. Some of this don't matter if you're
considering engine upgrade anyway.
Look for rust. Any rust also means rusty brake lines and power steering
lines.
Tires say a lot. Wrong tires is a good indication of overall unknowledgeable
care.
Check all the fluids. Has brake and power steering fluid ever been changed.
If possible and you need a good engine, compression, leak-down, oil
pressure, and oil analysis.
Suspension. Any rubber components not recently replaced will need attention.
Front radius rod and lower control arm mounts in addition to ball joints
become labor intensive fast.
Body work and window-door seals. Interior and exterior overall condition.
Good luck with your search,
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Brad Pauly
Sent: Monday, January 17, 2011 12:28 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: first time buyer
Hi Everyone,
I think I'm finally ready to take the plunge. 10 years ago I was
searching pretty seriously but never pulled the trigger. This time I
think I'm ready. I was hoping to get some first time buyer advice.
I've been looking for '86 and newer Westys. Originally I was set on a
full camper, however, I think I'd be really happy with a weekender (at
least at first).
I'm not really a "car guy." I'm actually an engineer on paper so I can
understand most of that stuff. I do like tinkering, but it's been with
bicycles all my life which are decidedly less complex. I have two main
questions.
Should I avoid out-of-state vans? Not having experience working on
cars it makes me a little nervous. If I could find a good local
mechanic to make sure things are okay I'd feel much better though.
What about older vans? Am I needlessly limiting myself with '86 and newer?
Thanks for any advice or feedback!
Cheers,
Brad