My question to you would be, what is your time and frustration worth?  After
many years of going the "cheap" route (which seldom turned out to be
"cheap") I now *gladly* pay a premium for a vehicle that has been
meticulously maintained.  The investment will pay dividends for many years
rather than haunt you like the "cheap" ones will. If I cannot afford the
premium one I prefer, I go without rather than trying to satisfy my desire
on a limited budget.

I'd love to tell the whole story about the "cheap" alternative to buying a
beautiful early Bronco for $5,500 (instead I bought another Bronco for $450
at a lien sale auction).   $16,000+ and four years later (plus much
frustration and anguish), I still didn't have a finished project.  (I wince
whenever I think about that one)

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus"
Santa Barbara, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Clark, Patrick" <PClark@northpoint.net>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2000 10:20 AM
Subject: which option to pursue?

> I need some "guesstimations" from those in the know:
>
> I'm days away from making a decision on purchasing an '87 to '90 Westy and
I
> have two choices to consider:
>
> Option A  is the cheap route:  a decent van (from digital pics), site
> unseen-- gambling on the mechanical condition and the amount of work to
make
> it reliable.
>
> Option B the expensive route: great van, new drivetrain, warranty, it's
been
> gone through professionally and it's ready for action, I'll be able to see
> it and test drive it.
>
> Here's the rub:  If I chose the cheap option and was in the van for
> $5,000.00 what's my delta figure to bring the cheap van up to spec? (given
> that I have neither the time nor space to do the work myself-- it would
all
> have to be farmed out).   I realize this is dependant upon many many
unknown
> factors, but can anyone toss out a round figure?
>
> The ultimate goal is to determine if the delta on the cheap option brings
> the total cost in under the expensive option-- and will it be worth the
> effort....
>
> Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.