Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:35:20 -0500
Reply-To: Art <awa0330@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Art <awa0330@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic
In-Reply-To: <10d901ccacb8$1e96c8e0$6401a8c0@PROSPERITY>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="utf-8"; reply-type=response
Thanks Scott.
Your project sounds like fun indeed, but something that's way beyond my
capacity. I'll certainly need to learn more and find the time as well to do
some repair and service on my own, but will need to depend on a reliable
mechanic. The odd thing is that I will be buying this from afar. Several
dozen pictures attest to good looking body condition. It was repainted white
about 2 years ago...not the color I would have chosen, but I can live with
it. I did speak with the mechanic that worked on the van and saw work
papers. They took average but not exceptional care of it. New canvas all
around, upgraded wheels and new excellent tires Stove and rest work
although the fridge is typically adequate at best. Easily rectified
however. Acquisition price will be close to $8,000. Good condition in the
interior, and it did not sit around much but was used. It appears to be in
better condition outwardly than many others that I've seen. And indeed the
mileage report is a "robust" 16 MPG.
Art
-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2011 10:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic
The original main question was whether they guy should 'run like hell' since
it's an automatic.
I would say .........'no, not by itself, as a factor."
some people want automatics. If doing a lot of traffic driving ...they can
be nice.
An auto trans vanagon uses more fuel than a manual trans one.
On my own Wolfsburg Weekender, with 2.1 wbxr engine and auto trans ..
driven nicely, it did 16.5 mpg on the highway.
I consider 18 mpg the lowest figure that I could ever live with .
and prefer at least 20 mph on the highway.
in town, in the winter, it did 14 mpg !
So I would say an auto trans eats about 3 mpg roughly.
There's less control on snow and ice ...another factor to consider.
now ..about an 86 with 108K miles on it .
sounds decent.
and ..
how much is the asking price ?
how rusted or banged up is it ?
and is it in full working order ?
I work on vanagons exclusively and full time.
'Usually' ..........regardless of how much has been spent on them ..
I typically find dozens , dozens and dozens of areas that need more
attention.
..or really ..
attention they never got since the factory .
I find hundreds of spots on them that have never been lubed, or adjsuted,
etc.
so it depends on how well it was taken care of.
In my entire career, I have seen exactly two used cars that were REALLY
actually taken care of.
Most are fixed when they break, which is just an awful way to take care of
any vehicle.
Low miels are nice.
and it could still need all kinds of things.
One thing you really want to avoid ..
is a van that has just 'been driven' .....and then when one system , say
breaks, needs work, that One System was worked on ,
meanwhile..........the CV joints are never serviced, the trans ATF and
differential oil are never changed..
the battery box floor is full of battery corrosion and rust, the shocks are
cheap or original etc...
so 'it depends.'
Once in a while there will be a van that someone really cared about, and
ACTUALLY maintained.
That's the kind you would like to find to buy.
And pay well for it.
an 86 GL to me ....
for one in full working order in every way ...
I value one of those at $ 6K easily.
on the other end of the scale..
as low as $ 1,500 for one that works fairly well and seems 'ok, more or
less.'
I also factor in color. It's nice to have one with exterior and interior
colors that you like, or at least don't dislike.
I factor in the seller too..
ideally ...it'll be a person you thing is a decent sort and wasn't cheap
about taking care of their van.
and I will also say ..
I see this *constantly* .
say a Westy that some guy 'just loves that van' ...
and yet..
no body ...I mean but no body ..
not the owner, not any shops ........no one ...
can do simple things like lube a sliding door, or any latch ..
dozens of things like that..
actually ..
Vanagons do amazingly well for the very poor care that most of them get.
I get a used one..
and I immediately have to do about 200 things to it ..
since *actually* taking care of them is not that common, based on what I
see.
I'd say ...if most of the factors seem about right ..
price makes sense, there's miniman rust and dings ..
it works well..
the selller seems have knowledgible and caring ..
buy it.
The 'automatic part' ..
'usually' .........that is 'points off' when selling ..
but..............some people really want an automatic.
heck ..I have an 86 GL myself ...
nice project van with zero rust, silver paint, perfect blue interior
.........only one ding on the nose that doesn't show much ..
and I just realized........I have this subaru legacy 2.2 engine ..
and I was going to put that engine into a manual trans van ..
but ..
that requires a lot of parts..( for manual trans )
but to put this subaru engine onto a vanagon auto trans ..
only takes one part ..
an under $ 400 adatper and torque converter driveplate from KEP ..( I
already have an engine mounting bar )
so I'm going that way with my auto trans 86 ..........use it to get this
subaru engine conversion all built and running.
anyway ..what fun,.
Buy it unless it's a real mess or the price is very high, or it's
rusted/abused etc.
They are fantastic vehilces !
scott
www.turbovans.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, November 26, 2011 7:14 AM
Subject: Re: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic
If you're planning to just buy this van and then go on a long journey be
prepared. While a 25 year old vehicle with only 108,000 miles seems like a
great deal you need to keep in mind that it is in fact a 25 year old
vehicle. If you think this is a bargain it may not be for long. If in in
fact it is low mileage and is great shape why hasn't it been used? When you
put it to use and make it work many parts that appear good now will begin to
fail. Cooling hoses and plastic parts will turn into engine damage. Those 25
year old engine gaskets will seek attention. Tires, brake hoses, suspension
parts, heater cores, blower fans, air conditioning. All these systems will
reach into your wallet at some point.
As far as wheel/tire replacement yes there are a lot of reasons to upgrade.
But these vans can run fine on the original as designed set and if money is
an issue just work on proper tires. The AC being disconnected is a sign that
a previous owner sought to save money and this may have transferred to
other maintenance issues.
Some points:
It is for sale for a reason. Why does the current owner no longer want it?
Whatever you pay for it that is just the down payment. If you pay little you
know it needs attention. If you pay a lot you have high expectations and you
will want to get it there.
No matter how much you inspect it you need to use as desired to find out
what it really needs.
If you are not a mechanic you need to plan to become one. Supporting any 25
year old vehicle that you plan to actually use becomes expensive real fast.
As you travel far from home be sure to have funds available for many things.
You won't be the frost or last that needs an engine or transmission 1,000
miles from home. AAA! Rent a U-haul and trailer to get it home. $$$
I know I sound a bit harsh here but I have folks come to me all the time
with recently purchase Vanagons that develop all sorts of issues. There are
also a lot of issues due to poor workmanship and unknowledgeable shops.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Art
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2011 7:12 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Advice request; 1986 Vanagon automatic
Hi all,
I’m not an experienced Vanagon owner...yet. I’m investigating a 1986
Vanagon with 108,000 miles on it. If I buy it, I’ll probably replace the
fridge with an electric model from GoWesty. This unit has the built in stove
and fridge. My plan is to take a couple of months and simply travel around.
I have 3 questions that I’d love some help with;
It’s an automatic. should I run like hell? I haven’t found any serious
warning signs on bogs or in research so far.
Many recommend upgrading from 14” wheels & tires to larger. It’s a heck of
an expense. Any thoughts?
AC has been disconnected because it is barely adequate anyhow. I seem to
see that this is a condition of these units. any solutions other than
simply dealing with the lack of AC that makes sense?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Art.
