I can comment on the price a little bit.  I know of an 82 westy here in
Minnesota that sold for $4500 with much higher miles, maybe 150k.  And an 87
westy with 88k miles was offered for $8000.  I wanted to buy it, but thought
the guy was crazy.  He claimed later to have sold it for that amount.  So,
$5000 doesn't seem rediculous.

I think that prices in the upper Midwest may be high for exactly the reason
you state--there aren't too many around.  I paid $4700 for an 86 Vanagon (not
westy, not gl, not nothin') with 90k-- it had NO rust and I had it inspected
by a mechanic.  Sometimes I think it was a good deal, sometimes I think I
paid too much .  Don't buy without inspection--WAY too many things could be
lurking in there.  Are there reciepts for this new engine?

If you really want a camper, you may have to travel.   But you might meet
some nice list folks in your search.

Doug Demarest
Minneapolis, MN