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Date:         23 Dec 96 15:00:09 
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Karl G Vochatzer/AMR <Karl_G_Vochatzer@notes.amrcorp.com>
Subject:      Re: Buying 88 Vanagon- Anything I should know 1st?

Unless you are brand new to the list and to water-cooled vanagons, then you know that the single most important factor is that the heads are not leaking. Look for puddles, spray on the oil filter and around the sides of the engine compartment in general.

IMO, other things to look for would be the condition of the a/c compressor, c/v joints,brakes, tranie and clutch, and the working shape of the accessories, because if something goes out that you like(d), expect to pay big for the replacements parts. (e.g., power mirrors $100 each used, $300 each new; rear wiper motor about $80 used, $250 new; rear hatch struts about $30 each; a/c compressor about $280 rebuilt, $600 new, plus rec/dryer at $160; etc.).

I made the mistake of buying my 88 GL a little too hastily because my wife and I wanted a vanagon and there just aren't too many available on the market in Dallas. I paid $5000 for the van and up to about another $3000 in repairs and replacing missing accessories (the short list is included above!). That's not to say I still wouldn't have bought it, I just would have talked the guy down another $1000 off of his asking price. BTW, I did identify some of the problems myself before I made my offer, but taking it to a qualified mechanic would have id'ed some of the more costly problems I encountered once I was the owner. Stupid mistake I hadn't done before and now won't repeat again.

Other than that, enjoy and welcome to an addicting "hobby" and lifestyle (oh no, I'm probably asking for it here).

Karl 88 GL (108K)

PS - my idle used to hunt up and down alot, too. Funny coincidence is that once I hooked up the mirrors that were missing, the hunting seems to be very limited to occasional high idling at 1500 RPMs). Perhaps the the loose wires in the door were causing some spikes in the electrical system. Any takers here?

writes: "I am contemplating the purchase of an 88 Vanagon. It has 173K miles with 70k miles on a rebuilt engine. The vehicle seems to run well and appears to have been well-cared for. The selling price is $2,850.00. Seems like a great deal. Anything I should look out for or inspect closely before my purchase?

The idle hunts up and down a bit, but I think that is normal for the German cars with the oxygen sensors. I had an Audi and a VW Jetta that both did the same thing. Other than that, it seems fine.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated."


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