Hello list.

Well, my long, hard decision-making process is nearing an end.
I managed to get an old '78 Plymouth Voyager van to start today, and drove it
around a few blocks.  It's cheap ($300), and will definitely sputter its way to
Vallejo this weekend for a harpsichord-moving gig.  I've bought myself some time.

Now, to decide about the Vanagon.  All things considered, I still want the damn
thing (I'm a masochist, I'll admit).  I took the vehicle to a mechanic today, whose
diagnosis was as follows:
 -- Pressure check: OK
 -- Needs new thermostat
 -- Needs new right-rear  C/V axle (drive axle) -- biggie: $250
 -- Needs new gaskets (didn't understand which ones) -- cheap (forgot exact figure)

 -- Needs coolant change (it's time for one)
 -- Needs new rear tires
 -- Direct quote: "It has a good chance of running for a year with no serious
problems.  However,   knowing Vanagons, that's ALL it will run for without work."

All-in-all, the mechanic wants $800 for the work (there are a few things not
included in the above list, such as oil change . . .).  I can probably get that
down a little ($150-$200, probably), and can possibly talk my seller down a bit
from his $1800 request.  If the van really will run for a year without any further
serious repairs, it might be a good thing to own.

So, my options are down to these three scenarios:
1.) Buy the Vanagon.
2.) Buy the Plymouth AND the Vanagon.  Do nothing to the Plymouth, fix the
Vanagon.  That way, if either one of them is a mistake, I've got another
harpsichord-schlepping vehicle.
3.) Buy the Plymouth and use it only for harpsichord moving.  Buy another
(non-Vanagon) vehicle for everyday commuting.  Perhaps the earlier-mentioned '67
Beetle (at least it's a VW -- would it be reliable?  The owner says it is. . .  But
*she's* selling the thing) or perhaps something more like a mid-'80s Subaru or
Honda.

Anybody have any final suggestions?

best,
Jon
---
Jonathan Rhodes Lee
jrlee@mailandnews.com