In a message dated 3/7/01 6:14:25 PM Mountain Standard Time,
drcory@IGLIDE.NET writes:

<<
 I'm looking to buy an '82 this weekend and would like some knowledgable
input.
 Its an '82 in the condition you might expect of that vintage (not good). >>

The only thing I'd suggest is to check the compression, especially if it
leaks oil.
Mine (an '80) had persistent oil leaks, resulting from blowby past the rings
on the #3 cylinder pressurizing the crankcase.  A previous owner had run it
without the engine-bay perimeter seal, which caused it to overheat badly.

Eric (Rusty)
'80 Westy (The Westy Formerly Known As The Vanagon Valdiz)
152 miles on rebuilt engine, about 80,152 on body.