Date:         Mon, 20 Jul 1998 11:39:41 -0700
Reply-To:     "M. Ryan Fryar" <fryarm@EOU.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "M. Ryan Fryar" <fryarm@EOU.EDU>
Subject:      begging expert advice
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi all,

I'm new to the list, and a Wanabus to boot.  This is a request for advice
from all you seasoned veterans to a novice on a bus I Wannabuy.  Thanks for
your patience in advance.
Yesterday I test drove an 81 Vanagon, no rust at all anywhere, and a good
off-white paint job.  The odometer claims 57,000mi.  The engine was
overhauled 500 miles ago and as far as I can tell, runs perfectly- to my
untrained eye it looks perfect too.  Interior is spotless, ugly brown
carpet yes but it is clean and relatively unworn.  When I started it up,
according to seller it had not been started in over a year .  It sounded
extra loud at first- then got better, due I have read on the vanagon page
to leaking hydraulic lifters (the seller told me that as well).
The seller is asking for $2,500 firm, and I am inclined to pay him.  If I
may ask, is this a good deal, a medium one, or a sucker punch?  Assuming of
course that a knowledgeable mechanic tells me "all is well" in advance.
The model I really want is an 86 vanagon, not the westie with pop top, bed,
and camper goodies, but a vanagon with weekender package so I can fold the
back seat into a bed.  Can I get something like that in good condition for
under $5000? I'm not in any rush, I can wait for the right van if this 81
is not a great deal- the seller is not advertising either.  I could wait a
month or two and probably get the same deal.
What does everyone think?
Thanks,

Ryan Fryar
fryarm@eou.edu