Way cool.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred Brittain" <vanpire@INTERFOLD.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, January 12, 2001 11:08 PM
Subject: Re: the people's car (little vanagon content)

> Listees,
>
> I am in agreement with those who think the new microbus is too cute,
> lacks utilitarianism and is way overpriced. My question is what's new
> about VW's (and most other cars) being pricey? In 1978 my mother
> bought a new Type2 full westy for around $8000 US. I bought it from
> her in about 1988. I remember camping next to a Vanagon westy that in
> retrospect was around an '85 or '86. Talking to the proud owner he
> claimed to have paid $26,000 for it. That's about a 300% increase. I
> realized then I would never own such a vehicle.
>
> I drove the '78 until two years ago when a blind teenager caved in the
> driver's side with his high rise pickup. I happened to know someone
> who wholesaled cars and he mentioned he had an incredibly well
> maintained '89 Westy with only 42K miles. Price $9500. Bought it
> immediately and it's still like new. In '89 it would have been as
> unaffordable to me as the new bus is now
>
> As a single income teacher I am no doubt near the bottom of the
> economic ladder among listees. That means that there are few cars I
> can afford to purchase new. Karl mentioned the Yugo. I liked the
> concept, but considered it a piece of crap. I did buy a 94 GEO Metro
> (aka Suzuki) new. Everyone talked about my disposable car. It's turned
> out to be the most practical commuter I've ever owned. NO repairs have
> been necessary other than routine maintenance for the 70k miles I've
> driven it. And, my self-concept is in no way related to what I drive.
>
> People, at least in the U.S., want things they can't afford. Bigger
> and faster is always better, hence, the popularity of the lease. For
> me it's on the same level as rent to own furniture, payday loans, etc.
>
> Most disturbing is the sense that few are concerned with global
> warming, rapid depletion of non-renewable resources, and the earth's
> ability to sustain life during the third millenium.
>
> It's late and this post is only moderately coherent. I'm going to send
> it anyway.
>
> BTW, my GEO is the same color as my neighbor's Audi TT. Does that make
> me cool too?
>
> Fred
>