If your the type of person who likes to NOT dinker with engines, and enjoy
motoring I would suggest the rebuilt engine. With that high of mileage you
might start experiencing a slew of different parts failing. If this is a
daily driver and you have no backup vehicle then you will get frustrated
with having to diagnose repair 2 or 3 parts failures in the engine arena.
This may not happen but the sense of security from a fresh engine is
unequalled.

SeanG

>From: Josh Monson <jmonson@USWEBCKS.COM>
>Reply-To: Josh Monson <jmonson@USWEBCKS.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: looking for advice
>Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2000 11:07:14 -0800
>
>recently purchased an 85'GL, absolutely love it. The body is in excellent
>shape,
>interior needs a little work but not much, seats are in good shape,
>dash is great, etc. . .
>Then engine has 200,500 mi on it. A week and half after purchasing
>it($2000),
>it started leaking lots of coolant, took it in, heads need to be done.
>Mechanic quoted $1050 for the job.
>
>Now i am in a bit of a financial bend here and am looking at what will
>be the most cost effective choice for the van staying with me in the
>next 5-6 years. With as many miles as it has, 200k mi, is it better to
>get the heads done for $1050 now and risk other parts of the engine going
>a little while down the line
>
>OR
>
>should I get the engine rebuilt now for roughly $2500 and know that it
>is solid for the next 7-8 years???
>
>OR
>
>purchase a used engine with low miles???
>
>I have been struggling with this for 2 weeks and could use a little
>"I've been there" advice.
>
>thanks everyone-this list has already been an excellent resource for me,
>jm

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