I subscribe to the philosophy of "knowing what you are getting into". Late
last summer I started my search for an air-cooled Westfalia. After scouring
all the resources, looking at and test driving several, and talking with
numerous local mechanics, I decided to buy a 1983 air-cooled Vanagon
Westfalia with a bad transmission and a horrendous oil-leaking engine. By
now, you are probably thinking "what an idiot". Not really. The van is rust
free and all the camping equipment is intact and in good shape. This, and the
fact that i got it for next to nothing, sold me. When all is said and done I
will have spent about $4500 and will have a new (rebuild)
engine,transmission, clutch,front and rear shocks, tires, and camper top
seal. I think this is a much better option (albeit more work) than paying a
similar price for a Vanagon in "supposedly" good working order. I knew
exactly what i was getting and when finished I'll know exactly what I have.
No suprises when you start with a junker.

My very humble opinion.

Nate Richmond