Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:46:46 -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: <20110117133148.3G12T.691430.imail@eastrmwml45>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hi McNeely,
Yes, I forgot to mention that. I live in Portland, OR. There are a few
vans currently available locally that I might be looking at. From my
understanding there are a couple of good VW shops in town so that is
good news. I don't have any personally experience with them yet. If
there are any other Portlanders on the list I'd love to hear where you
go.
Cheers,
Brad
On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 10:31 AM, <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> Brad, not knowing where you are, it is difficult to advise concerning avoiding out of state vans. I you are on the west coast, then you probably have good, local vans to choose from. If in the East, many are going to be rusted. If in the middle of the country, there just aren't that many.
>
> Whether you have personal contacts in the area where you find a van can make a difference. Knowing and trusting someone to check it out before you make a trip is a great help. That does not mean that you should skip either of a capable VW mechanic or a personal trip and inspection where you deal directly in person with the seller.
>
> Researching the title history of course matters.
>
> Buying a Vanagon is much like buying any other used vehicle. Learn as much as possible about the vehicle's history, learn as much as possible about it's mechanical condition, make your own evaluation up close and personal, and make the deal directly once you are satisfied that the vehicle suits you. Buying a Vanagon differs from buying many other used vehicles in that with other vehicles one often makes the assumption that the vehicle is ready for use once mechanical evaluation has been done and found satisfactory. With the Vanagon, assume that you will have to make a fair amount of repairs, maintenance operations to put it on the road.
>
> Just my thoughts, based on my limited experience. Different folks may have different notions.
>
> McNeely
>
> ---- 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
>
> --
> David McNeely
>
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