Date:         Thu, 23 Dec 1999 08:35:00 -0600
Reply-To:     "Roy O." <keepsake@PANGEA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Roy O." <keepsake@PANGEA.CA>
Subject:      Fw:      Re: reality check
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

|
| << but will my local
|  mechanic be driving a Lexus on me ? >>
|
|
| There really is not a concrete way to answer this question.  If you get a van
| that has been taken care of and you take care of it, you shouldn't be in for
| many surprises other than would normally be found on a 10 or so year old
| vehicle.  On the other hand, if you get a van that hasn't been taken care of
| or you don't take care of it well....
| if you check everything really good and plan for the worst, you'll definitely
| be happy.
|
| Stefan
|
Just to add a little balance to the conversation...I bought my '87 Westfalia
brand new, followed VW's maintenance schedule religiously and then some. I
'farm'
out some of repairs that are beyond me but do a lot of it myself. Keeping the
vehicle looking and running good has virtually cost me what I paid for it way
back in 1987. Maybe my van has bad 'karma, maybe I've got bad 'karma, who
knows?

I agree that maintenance is a good hedge against unexpected high repair costs
but don't be surprised it the vehicle becomes a money pit in spite of your
well-intentioned efforts.  An addendum to Stefan's above comment...'check
everything really good and plan for the worst'...and be financially prepared for
the worst (when and if it comes).

Roy O.
'87 Westfalia GL
(till death us do part)