Date:         Thu, 9 Sep 1999 08:11:09 -0700
Reply-To:     Steve@SCHWENK-LAW.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve@SCHWENK-LAW.COM
Subject:      Re: cost of a westy
Comments: To: Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

These are syncro horror stories, and untrue, somewhat.
The only syncro parts that fit your descriptions are
the drive shaft, front diff. and VC.  Everything else
is essentially the same as 2wd.

As for insurance, the typical policy provides coverage
for market value of the vehicle.  If they quote $7000,
it's because they are relying on inaccurate and
incomplete info.  I can easily prove market value of
$20,000-25,000 for a syncro westy out here in SF CA.  I
have a folder where I save all adds, plus the
newspapers routinely list them at this price.  You can
also get an appraisal.  Indeed, if you shop around
different ins. companies and agents, you can find one
that will settle on a value up front, so that everybody
knows in advance what it is worth....but again you need
to prove this with appraisal, etc.

Michael Townsend wrote:
>
> Well,  I don't think you are naive any more.
>
> > Seems that unless
> >you're wealthy ya can't buy a late model syncro!
> >
> >Bob
>
> Your experience sounds quite familiar, and there is no way around it unless
> you got $11k laying around to make up the difference between the asking
> price and the bank's loan limit.  As far as the insurance goes, I would be
> scared to death driving a vehicle that the insurance company would nowhere
> near cover.  There was at one time a very long post from someone explaining
> his fights with the insurance and salvage industry when his Wesy Syncro was
> totalled.  He managed to recover a reasonable value, after a long and
> difficult fight.  I suppose if you document all of your expenses, you will
> have a better chance in an insurance fight -- but nothing is guaranteed.
> Even my 2wd Carat is worth a whole lot more than the insurance company
> thinks it is!
>
> Oh yeah, you will also need to save money in case the engine, transmission,
> or VC goes belly-up.  :-(
>
> Michael Townsend,
> who would love a Westy Syncro TDI -- but wouldn't we all.