Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:45:04 -0800
Reply-To: Brad Pauly <bpauly@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Brad Pauly <bpauly@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: first time buyer
In-Reply-To: <AANLkTinDXUVOPUKbrz_sDKrbfjAFH+MA8FyFdkKpYigB@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi Steven,
Thanks for the advice. I plan to spend some more time really thinking
through what I will be using it for and what I need to make that
happen. At the moment I plan to use it mostly for weekend trips.
Camping trips that occasionally involve surfing or mountain biking.
That's what I'm thinking now anyway.
Cheers,
Brad
On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 10:08 AM, Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Brad,
>
> First, welcome to the list and congratulation on asking the list experience
> first before
> you spend your hard earned $$$ before you make an informed decision.
>
> I strongly suggest you heed the advise and yet read and gleen with a large
> grain of salt.
> You've got to know your limitations and financial restraint on these
> vehicles along with
> any other "used" vehicle you are considering. If you plan on purchasing a
> vanagon of
> any year, you must consider the age and know that you will most likely spend
> a good 5 - 10
> K ( that's right 5 - 10 thounsand U.S. dollars) to get the van into good
> operating condition.
> This all depends on the price and condition you purchase said vehicle for.
>
> I strongly urge you to write down your current needs versus desires for said
> vehicle and
> make damn sure that this is the right vehicle for you. That way, you
> remove the "rose-colored"
> looking glass you might see the vanagon through.
>
> I've personally weight the pros and cons contantly and can find no other
> vehicle that meets "my needs"
> as well as my 91 Westfalia. Every time I consider another vehicle, it
> falls short of those
> needs considerable and it's very disconcerting to me that there are no
> vehicles that even come
> close except maybe the Eurovan camper. The cost versus need, though, are
> quite huge.
>
> But maybe your needs versus desires are quite different from mine.. So
> make a good list
> and decide if thie vanagon fits your needs well. If so, stay with us and if
> not move on...
>
> I hope this helps,
>
> Steven
> 91 Westy
>
> On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 9:27 AM, Brad Pauly <bpauly@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> 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
>>
>
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