Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2023 10:34:42 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: The Walrus Speaks
In-Reply-To: <CA+az7_46CLbS=w+fJ0tsFVab2bxQ1JB4U1-sycKx9PcoHUscfg@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi John,
If you decide to sell I wish you the best luck with the sale and your future mobility choices.
My 84 was sold to me by a lovely couple one of them was in his early 80’s. After 30 years they needed a different kind of vehicle.
I have that van in much better shape than it was and plan to keep maintaining it and using it as long as I can.
But, I also have a plan for where it goes if I suddenly am unable to care for it.
So, I think for such a treasure it is good to think about. Is it your goal to prioritize getting as. Much money back, or to finding it a caretaker that will use it in a way you appreciate.
Of course no guarantees once it is gone.
Before I purchased the 84 I asked the folks that question. They needed to get a certain return on it. I had suggested selling it to a person that had the skills to maintain it but not the finances to purchase such an expensive van.
In the end they wanted to get some value back. I purchased it after seeing the Samba add. The van was not given away but the value requested was something I could afford for such a nice van.
This is a long commentary but I’m trying to say with regard to your vanagon legacy for van and parts there is still a community you can support if it is time to move on.
Get the price you need, but keep an eye out for a good match for your beautiful van.
The other thing I’ve seen is people purchase a van at a high price point thinking it will be care free. In a short time it is no longer rust freee and mechanically strong. Then the decline happens fast.
Man, I’m silly about these vans.
Warmest wishes to you John with this decision. I wish you the best in keeping or moving on.
And, no matter what, I hope you stay on list to share your knowledge and companionship.
Eric Caron
> On Jul 21, 2023, at 9:40 AM, John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Ken, thanks for the info. That gives me a starting point. No rust, by the
> way. Until me, this has always been an Alabama van since it was driven off
> the showroom floor by the original owner.
>
> On Fri, Jul 21, 2023 at 8:24 AM kenneth wilford (Van-Again) <
> kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> John, I sold a very rusty Carat with a Bostig conversion a few years ago
>> for $15k. Just FYI.
>>
>> Ken
>>
>> On Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 12:58 AM John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> The time has come, the walrus said, to speak of many things,
>>> Of sailing ships, and sealing wax, and cabbages and kings,
>>> And Vanagons!
>>>
>>> I never thought I would be thinking this, but I am strongly
>>> considering selling my relatively new to me SUBIEGON. So many negative
>>> things have happened with and to me in the last three years that it has
>>> brought me to this point. Because of injuries, aging (I'm 84), and
>>> changes in living quarters, I can no longer work on my vans which I have
>>> always done in the past. I'm even finding it somewhat difficult to even
>>> get
>>> in and out of it.
>>>
>>> Would like some general value opinions please. Of course real value is
>>> always in the eye of the beholder. What do you think as ballpark.
>>>
>>> The very basics :
>>>
>>> Body - 1991 Carat, jump seats,
>>>
>>> Engine - Subaru EJ 2.5 L, new complete full engine overhaul, with all
>>> new accessories. ZERO miles except for 2500 miles during a very careful
>>> break-in.
>>>
>>> Small car installation.with extras
>>>
>>> Automatic Transmission
>>>
>>
