Date: Mon, 11 Jun 2012 09:07:21 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: What's it really worth?
In-Reply-To: <4FD60B80.6030601@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Yes, willing seller meets willing buyer and price is determined. Where are
you? That will have a lot to do with it. Most non-camper Vanagons are used
as utility vehicles, but out here (Seattle) some are used for camping and
active sports. FWIW, I just purchased my '85 Westy with 139k, no rust, all
original (but front table missing) for $7500. West coast is highest
(usually not too rusty here) and price goes down as you move east (rust belt
in more ways than one). Don't be too aggressive, and remember dealer
prices are high because they have to safety check every vehicle and make
sure the wheels are not going to fall off. There is an implied warranty
too, since a really determined buyer can make a dealer take a lemon back.
Check your local Craigslist and The Samba, and pick a price.
Good luck!
Stuart
'85 Westy
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
JRodgers
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2012 8:15 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: What's it really worth?
I suppose the answer is "Whatever one is willing to pay!" But outside of
that, what is a Vanagon really worth. I'm going to put one of my 88'
GL's up for sale. I'm just fishing for an opinion of worth. Many factors
come into play I realize - condition, part of the country it is in (South -
low, West Coast - high, Midwest?, Northeast - ???), etc. I checked with my
local credit union about it. The rep there looked it up in their lending
guide and found the Retail Low, Medium, and High to be $2800, $5800, $8600
respectively for the '88 GL, each value reflective of the condition of the
vehicle. I was told once by a car dealer that on standard cars if the
differential worked the car was automatically worth $500. My van has no
rust, 200,000 miles plus, 150,000 since rebuild on the current engine, good
compression, slight oil consumption (1 quart in about 1500 miles), Heaters
and blowers work, AC works, new tires, relatively new (last year) front
wheel bearings, pads, rotors, new shifter parts front to back, new PS rack
(to be installed shortly, good rubber, good glass. Right front corner bumper
damage. One small dent in the rear on the hatch. Bench seat is out, but is
present with hardware.
So with all that said - and recognizing that the game is to sell high and
buy low - what would be the view and the collective wisdom of the list
regarding setting a price for my van?
Thanks.
John Rodgers
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