Bill, I'll give you MY opinions on your questions.  I have an '84 Wolfsburg
Edition Westy.
1)  I only use the poptom for storage, but there are some rope boarding
ladders for Jet Skis that I would think would work uite well for getting in
and out of the upper berth.

2) The 1.9 Wasserboxer is prone to head problems, but so is the 2.1.  The
bottom endo of the engine is very robust.  Just plan on heads at 100-125K.
If the antifreeze has been changed, and the proper product used, head leaks
should be minimized.  The fuel injection at times can be troublesom, but it
is pretty simple.

3) Fridge is powered by 110 shore power when plugged in, propane operation
is always possible, and the 12 volt operation can occur when vehicle is
running.  Unit may be switched from any mode to another.  I only use a
single battery, but generally camp where shore power is available.  Our
camping group also has a generator mounted 6.5 KW Onan generator set with 25
gal fuel tank (VERY quiet) that several of us plug into while camping.  This
lets us run TV's, air conditioners (mounted in drivers window) small
electric heaters, etc. when we camp.  Perhaps you don't agree with our
methods, but as aging baby boomers, it fits our out-of-shape bodies
extremely well.

4)  Check for leaks of all vital fluids, make sure camping gear works,
compression test.

5)  On the Wolfsburg, VERY comfortable.  A friend with standard GL does not
feel that his beds are as comfortable.  He puts a sleeping bag on top of the
mattress for a bit of extra padding, then puts on the sheets and comforter.

6) There are tracks where the jumpseat is designed to mount.  They are
occassionally available by vendors on this site.

7)Look for seam rust, rust around the windows, etc.  I've not noticed any
absolutes when checking them out.

Good luck.  If you can find another list member near you with a bit more
experience, perhaps they might look at the van with you.

Steve Sandlin
http://www.steveslockshop.com
'84 Wolfsburg Westy
'79 Transporter
'00 New Beetle