Date:         Wed, 22 Jul 1998 23:42:07 -0700
Reply-To:     DAVID MOST <most@UCLA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         DAVID MOST <most@UCLA.EDU>
Subject:      salvage title westfalia
Comments: To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

After being on this list for over three years, and considering the
seemingly increasing variability in prices, I realize that the question
I'm about to ask doesn't have a correct answer.  However, since I could
used some less biased opinions, I thought I'd ask anyway.

I'm talking about an '87, full camper that a a meeting with a deer in the
front.  Though it was totalled by the insurance company, the current
owner bought it back with the intention of fixing since he had spent$5000
at the dealer on repairs just prior to this trip where he met the deer.
It's in excellent shape cosmetically inside and out, the appliances all
work, and it has been maintained quite well with almost all being
performed by a dealer.  Some other details:135k, right head/gasket and
left gasket, clutch, and many other parts replaced at 132k.  He's shown
me between 11,000 and 13,000 worth of receipts from the dealer repairs
over the years.

The front end damage didn't seem to affect the drivability, but I've been
told that the A/C can't be repaired because the condenser won't fit.
(Might it be possiblt to use a condenser of a different size?)

This vanagon look nice and drives well.  The guy who's selling it is very
honest about everything, and he'll donate it to get the tax deduction if
I don't buy it.

A salvage title scares most people off, and perhaps that's for good
reason.  It certainly lowers the value of this vanagon, but at what price
do y'all think it would be worth obtaining this westfalia?

If nothing else, it has two working power windows and the rear wiper
works and the roof vent isn't cracked....that's gotta be worth a few
bucks.

Thanks for any suggestions,
david