Date: Mon, 19 Apr 1999 12:12:17 -0700
Reply-To: Brent Christensen <bpchristensen@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Brent Christensen <bpchristensen@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject: Re: To buy or not to buy...
Check the info on www.vanagon.com The bus buyer's guide is very helpful;
also review the make and model year info to help you zero in on the features
you feel are most important. I just spent the last two years looking for a
Westy, and finally brought "Klaus" home about two weeks ago (my first
Westy). In the interim, I looked at a LOT of Westies, both Syncro and
non-Syncro, and quite frankly, most of them were over-priced and not all
that well cared for, or they were missing a lot of "pieces".
If I were to offer one piece of advice, it would be to look at the over all
condition of the vehicle. Has it been well maintained in all the obvious
places? (paint, body, interior, engine compartment, service records, etc.).
Because if it has not, that is an indication of all the OTHER stuff you
can't see has most likely been sorely neglected. You will end up footing the
bill (and bearing the frustration) for bringing the Vanagon back to it's
former glory. IMHO, you are better off paying a premium price and getting a
Vanagon that has been really well cared for, and avoiding the hassles.
My $0.02 worth. :-)
Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
'91 Taurus SHO (For Sale)
'95 Cherokee Sport 4 x 4
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Hugill <mike@KLA-INC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 19, 1999 11:32 AM
Subject: To buy or not to buy...
> Hello,
>
> A newbie here, looking for Vanagon. Was looking for some feedback from
> experienced owners.
>
> I have found:
> Westfalia, 1985, with a fridge, auto trans with a/c. At 110k miles (in
> late 1997) a new engine was put in. THat engine has about 15k miles on
it.
> No rust. Pretty nice for about $5500.
>
> I also found an 86GL, A/c, auto with about 186Kmiles on orig. engine.
This
> one is sitting in a mechanic's lot. Needs new heads and the owner doesn't
> want to put anymore $ into it. The guy who ownes the shop needs more room
> so he wants to get the heads done to move it out. I think I may be able
to
> get what I think may be a deal on this. The vehicle looks pretty good
> inside (just a bit dirty) but outside there are 4-5 quarter size rust
spots
> or paint bubbles with rust just starting underneath.
>
> Any suggestions on what to look out for, what kinds of things I should
> expect to repair/replace with either vehicle?
>
> Still looking for a Syncro.
>
> Thanks
> Mike
>
> Michael Hugill
> Ken Leiner Associates, Inc.
> Nationwide Recruiting
> (301) 933-8800 x139
> (301) 933-8808 fax
> (800) 989-8803
> http://www.ITsearch.com
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