Stan Wilder wrote:

I'm driving an 83 Aircooled Westfalia, I picked it up five years ago with
the engine in a basket ( I actually bought it from a man that was a
Rocket Scientist with General Dynamics) and spent roughly $1,800.00 on
rebuilding the engin, buying tires and standard maintenance items it to
take it from 145K to the current 256K.

I am assuming that you'rs is watercooled.

I evaluate my expenses this way, I really like my Camper Van and it has
cost me less than $400.00 a year to have fun and keep it on the road.
(not counting insurance)

I haven't had a car note in 15 Years (although I bought a Used Crown
Victoria recently for cash).

If you know what you've got just go ahead and throw a rebuilt engine at
it, probably cost you about $2,000.00 for a Waserboxer.

In my personal experiences with VW products it is best to have your
rebuild done by a professional engine that specializes in WaserBoxers.
(you can get many references from the vanagon list). You can save some
money by pulling the engine yourself and doing the re-install.

Buying someone elses van may just be buying their troubles.

So if you don't mind driving an older vehicle there won't be much mystery
in what you have.

With a good rebuild you can most likley go trouble-free  for at least 70K
and with luck you could make twice that.

Stan Wilder
83 Westfalia Air-cooled