Dang Zach, it sounds like you are buying the westy I bought in July. Mine's an 86, has a dent in the same spot, looked very good, felt right and had only 315,000 miles on it (hence its name). I paid $5900 for it. Ran hot after a couple of weeks (actually, it ran hot when I test drove it) and requiered a head repair and gasket. I did the work, got familiar with water-cooled's and now its running great.
If I was going to do it over again, I'd spend the bucks to have it checked by a vanagon wrench. Then again, any wrench worth his salt would probably advise against it.
How'd the temperature gauge look as you drove it (needle close too, preferably below the led?)
Walter
86 Westy "Miles"

Zach said:

I've found an '85 Westfalia locally and "feel" like it's a good car. It's

got about 250K miles on the car with new engine and transmission 85K miles

ago.  She drives great; hardly any rattling/weird noises for as many miles

as are on the car.  The brakes are good.  No oil or antifreeze leaks.

Everything seems to work (even the air conditioner), all the appliances and

such.  There's one big dent where the side panel near the water fill is

pushed in (probably from turning too tight), and some minor paint chips,

etc.  There doesn't appear to be any body rust, but the propane tank is a

little rusty; no leaks just looks rusty.  There's a two tears in the tent

and the screen is a little iffy on the pop top.



I've negotiated a price of $5,900 and would like to know if the experienced

listmembers feel this is a fair deal (both for me and the seller) in light

of the cars condition/age/miles.



Any advice or response would be GREATLY appreciated.





Zach

1971 Westfalia : Gondwanaland

1970 Beetle : Jerry

Guy looking for Vanagon Westfalia