> I have an opportunity to buy a 1986 Vanagon with the POP top - no refer or
> stove. It is at a used car lot. There is a title but no maint. records.
The
> van is very very clean. I drove it for a while and it seems to run great.
> no problems that I could tell. Started right up in the bitter cold - I
live
> in NH. The salesman wants $6,995. I told him he was crazy. He told me that
> people are paying big bucks for them now. Is this true. I thought I had
> done my homework on this, but now I'm confused. Further, he didn't like
the
> mechanic I wanted to take it to, you know, to be checked out.
>
> I offered him $4,700. he said no way, and was not willing to work on the
> price. He would rather let it sit on the lot for 6-8 weeks he told me.
>
> Does this sound right? Are folks paying top dollar for the campers?

Ed,
It would be interesting to know the mileage.... if there it is the original
engine, when were the head gaskets done?... original transmission? etc. very
clean is a good sign... no records is a bad sign... it is typical to see a
very late model Vanagon full camper with 100 k go for around 10 to $12 k....
so I think you are in the ball park... I think he's at the high end and you
are at the low end... assuming solid engine, trans, head gaskets, etc., ....
at least until it warms up in spring I would think you have some leverage
since campers usually sell at a discount in the winter.... but, then, some
guys are stubborn and want what they want no matter what....

But I would definitely have it checked out by my guy; not his choice...

Bill