This is a common =
question, and is
asked often enough that there is a document written up on =
it.
Go to www.vanagon.com, and go to the index =
section
called "info" - then read the FAQ's.
I'd add that it's a good idea to take the van to an independent =
and
experienced VW garage, and have them check it over - looking at the =
points
mentioned in the FAQ stuff.
I'll also add that it's a good idea to =
try the AC,
if there is one, and also try the stove and sink. IE: Turn on the stove, =
does it
work? Have them put water in the water tank, does the faucet pump
work?
If it's an automatic - no specific =
problems to look
for. If it's a manual - check that it holds all the gears - as I hear =
that
sometimes, the manual transmission can't stay in/or get into 3rd or 4th
gear.
If the fridge doesn't seem to work - =
that's totally
normal - it takes near an hour to feel anything, and it makes no noise =
at all,
unless it's brutally hot inside the van, and the fan turns on. Odds are =
it
won't.
Does it have both tables and associated =
arms, the
curtains for the front windshield, and for the sliding =
door?
Does the front windshield fan work, and =
does it
make a squealing sound? If so - that's prolly $300 CDN or thereabouts to =
replace
fan, including labour.
Does the rear heater work? (smell =
for
coolant) - sort of like maple syrup smell - if so, it needs fixing
up.
Finally, open the poptop - check the =
canvas, window
screen etc. Is the rubber poptop seal good?
Open the upper and lower beds, and =
check for rips
etc.
Good luck!
When I bought my van, I was too =
ignorant to know
any of this stuff - but I got extremely lucky - as I paid too much. At =
least I
got a good van, and not a "project"!
Cheers!
Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy "Iron =
Igloo"
I'm new to the VW Vanagon =
experience, but
completely hooked. Wife and I are ready to move up from tent camping =
and
have no desire for full size (ford/chevy) conversions. My wife is =
German and
I admire German engineering (being an engineer myself). I have =
looked at a
couple of Westys and know that is what I am looking for. Currently I =
have an
86 and 87 Westy (2WD) that I am going to have to drive 300 =
miles to
inspect. I am told everything works and the engines are in working =
order.
They are both at about the 100K mark.
Any major items I should =
watch out
for with these years? Should I find a local shop to give me a =
compression
and leak down test (possibly a cooling system check also?) Is rust a =
major
concern? Where should I look?Should I consider a blown engine van a =
do a
rebuild or a different (Subaru?) engine? Is there a way to =
check clutch
or tranny?
I realize this is a lot =
to ask, but I
know this group consists of the experts, and I want to be as =
educated
as possible before purchase. Thanks in advance for =
advice.
Also, any experience pulling a =
1000 pound
trailer with a Vanagon?