Date: Tue, 9 Jun 1998 12:27:50 -0700
Reply-To: mac stricklen <mac_stricklen@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: mac stricklen <mac_stricklen@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: vanagon buying advice needed
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Hello,
I'm new to the list having recently subscrived because I wanted to
eventually buy a Vanagon, and wanted to make a reasonably informed
decision when I did. My plan was to lurk on the list for a while
soaking up knowledge from those in the know. However, I have already
found a potential purchase and I haven't really had time to learn
much. So, if any of you would be willing to give me some advice on
whether or not to buy this van I'd really appreciate it.
It's an '84 Vanagon with 150K miles on it. The guy wants $500 for it.
I've looked it over and there's no rust on the body or undercarriage
other than on the tailpipe. It currently lacks a battery so it won't
start, but the guys says it runs pretty well. However, he also says
that the gas tank will need to be replaced soon. He had the head
gaskets redone recently (it's water-cooled), but he says it will need
a tune up. So, bascially it seems OK on the major stuff. However,
it's pretty ugly otherwise. The windsheild is cracked (but doesn't
leak), the handle is broken off of the sliding door. The upholstery
is pretty nasty (what remains of it). The sliding windows don't lock.
There are pieces of rubber trim missing from the bumbers and the
paint on the roof has seen some sort of funky corrosion.
To put the buy into some perspective, My wife and I own a 96 Saturn
Wagon with 50K miles and 3 years of payments left, and a 96 Nissan
Pickup with 20K miles and 2 yrs of payements to go. I live within
walking distance of work so most of the time only one vehicle gets
driven. I usually take the other one or two days a week and drive to
a favorite Mt. Biking spot about an hour away. We both feel like the
car payment and insurance on a financed second vehicle is too much for
such occasional use. However, both of these vehicles are in excellent
condition and will certainly be reliable. Is it worth it to sell one
(probably the truck) and get a 14 year old used vehicle for hauling
around bikes and kayaks and doing some camping? If so, is this the
right vehicle or should I hold out and pay a little more for one in
better shape?
If I buy a van of this vintage what sort of problems/costs can I
anticipate down the road?
Thanks,
mac
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