Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:47:42 -0600
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: first time buyer
In-Reply-To: <COL109-DS244A8F544A313DC2A6338DEEF70@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
I guess I'll have to say at this point that the following post from Matt illustrates something that any prospective Vanagon buyer without Vanagon experience should consider. The folks who seem to enjoy Vanagons the most are those who are either mechanics or want to be mechnics, and who just enjoy getting their hands greasy and barked up for the sake of working on a vehicle themselves. This even extends to the point of some (though not most) of them resorting to ridicule towards those of us who just want to have a vehicle that works to do what we want it to do. For them, it is all about the opportunity to work (and redesign and rework even) a van that some of us would just like to be able to reliably used, having been spoiled by things like Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, that never break.
I have grown to like my camper a lot, and my wife likes it even more than I do. But the things can be a real trial, and only someone willing to put up with that, or even better, to love it, should consider one. It is not for the sake of the trials and tribulations that we like the camper, but for what it can do for us. But a good many others seem to love the trouble, and to love constant dickering with the beast. And though some will say, particularly in response to anyone stating otherwise, that the vehicle is easy to maintain and easy to diagnose, and easy to work on, there are probably very few people for whom that is true.
McNeely
---- Matt Thyer <matt_thyer@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> I have to agree with Don here, there's nothing wrong with the out-of-the-box
> approach to Vanagon ownership other than its expensive and there are still
> no guarantees (not that GoWesty won't stand behind their work, just that
> they can't get you out of a bind in Belize). The major advantage to
> spending big in this case is that you're getting something that's
> "finished". There are probably very few things most of us would feel
> comfortable altering on a $60k vanagon. It's nice, but a lot like buying a
> time share because you won't feel compelled to modify or customize or change
> much about it.
>
> I bought my diesel tin-top the November before last on eBay. I had been
> shopping for a van for a while and made my move for two big reasons. First,
> it was cheap! Second, because it needed me. Not that I need any more
> projects, but my van has been a really fun one to work on. Some of the work
> I do, and because I'm not a wiz bang mechanic some of the work I have done
> for me, but I'm involved in all the work and I'm learning something new all
> the time. Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Daryl Christensen (who
> rebuilt my trans-axle) and Scott Foss (who built my new engine) for
> instance; great guys who do really good work.
>
> My van isn't cookie cutter either, in February I'll be turning it into a
> Timber Tech high-top. Later in the spring I get to improve my auto body
> skills; strip it, treat it, prep it and shoot it. I just fixed a persistent
> coolant system leak for good! Can't tell you how good that bit of work has
> made me feel about my van and myself. Last weekend I loaded up my wife and
> our new baby and we took a short road trip along Highway 12 in the sunshine.
> His first outing since we brought him home from the hospital in December.
> Zeno performed like a rock star and while the interior is still a little
> rough it's serviceable and comfortable enough. My son Aral slept pretty
> much the whole way.
>
> In favor of the DIY path it's a lot of fun. You may find yourself stuck on
> the side of the road occasionally, but with the right attitude even that can
> be enjoyable.
>
> MT
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Don Hanson
> Sent: Monday, January 17, 2011 2:29 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: first time buyer
>
> The Northwest has to be one of the prime Vanagon areas. Plenty around,
> plenty of mechanics who can actually turn a wrench on vehicles like
> Vanagons. I got mine near Tacoma, Wa. about 4yrs ago now for $3k and I have
> probably put another $3k into it..I will drive it anywhere with confidence
> now, though she ain't real pretty. Gets good fuel economy, carries all my
> crap, has a westie kitchen and a bed but no pop-top and an inline four Jetta
> motor..
>
> These things are 'all over the dartboard' for price and
> dependability...You can get a Gold-plater from Go Westie for $60k or a POS
> for free and put a motor into it.
> Personally, I like it that every part in my own van has been inspected by
> me...replaced, when needed, by me. I go places in my van where roadside
> service is not. Paying big bucks for a Go Westie for a 'guaranteed 100%
> restored vanagon' and then having some part fail in the Outback
> somewhere...Not gonna do me much good, trying to get them to rescue me....I
> have learned how to self-rescue...and I have replaced all the parts I have
> doubts about...with about $50k left over..
> I'm not dissing fully restored vans sold by various businesses around...If
> you have the cash and the inclination to drive around in a perfect looking
> Vanagon, you'll still be ahead of any other similar vehicle available as
> new, right now.
> Go for it..they are fun vehicles and pretty easy to manage.
> Don Hanson
--
David McNeely
| 
