I've got 81 Westy that I'm asking $2500.00 for so I sat down and did my
own evaluation and here is what I found.
1. The pop-top canvas is 20 years old, its going to go within two years.
Deduct for labor and materials $500.00
2. The suspension squeaks and is 20 years old with 120K on it. Deduct for
labor and materials $700.00
3. The paint is faded and it has a few minor dents. Deduct for labor and
materials $900.00
4. The windshield has a small crack that will eventually grow. Deduct for
labor and materials $240.00
5. It has one CV boot that needs to be replaced. Deduct for Parts and
labor $40.00
6. It has ugly window tent. Deduct for removing window tint. $60.00
7. It is not currently registered. Deduct $56.00
8. It needs to be vacuumed out. Deduct $4.00

Ooops! This isn't a one dollar Westy its a free Westy.
-------------------
I paid $2000.00 for my 83 Westy seven years ago and within 90 days I had
replaced both heads, the cylinders, rod bearings, 4 speed transmission at
a cost of about $1500.00 with me doing my own labor.
That $1500.00 bought me six years of Westy fun. Throw in a set of tires
and brakes also. However I would never have bought this Westy at a
$3500.00 price if it had been immaculate because I was a $2000.00 buyer.
And we all know that the first rule of buying a used car is "Buyer
Beware!".
--------------------
If you don't match your purchase price of a Splittie, Bay or Vanagon with
a similar parts and repair cost within two years its because the van
isn't being driven at all.
I'd estimate that 88% of all fifteen year old cars are in wrecking yards
or have arrived back to us as a Toyota.
So you're either driving an old car or a classic (pick your view) and
repairs are part of the ownership.

Stan Wilder
83 Westfalia Air Cooled 278K

On Fri, 23 Nov 2001 05:44:13 -0800 developtrust <developtrust@HOME.COM>
writes:
> Another point about buying a vanagon. The vanagon I bought handled so
> well
> on the road I was going to "save" the $75 diagnosis fee and not do
> it. A
> friend convinced me to do it. As I said in my last email I found
> over $1,100
> in work needing doing (the seller agreed to deduct serious work
> ($1,154)
> from the agreed price and I elected to do anything else.)
>
> BUT ALSO. . .
>
> I STRONGLY recommend you look at every van available in the model
> you want
> and resist impulse buying.
>
> I got the deal of the century and feel guided by some spiritual
> force. I
> almost bought 4 vanagons but because the sellers were greedy asking
> unreasonable prices and refusing to negotiate. I moved on.
>
> I must have looked at every van available within 100 miles, then
> found a
> young couple who were leaving for New Zealand. They gave me an
> incredible
> deal that was $7,100 less than they paid and invested in new parts
> after
> owning it for only 3 months. And what impressed me most is that the
> van I
> bought had features none of the others had. It was a quantum leap
> better in
> evry way and no serious rust whatsoever. All the others (except one
> from the
> most greedy seller) needed body work and had rust.
>
> Look around and go with the cosmic flow. Trust in Destiny and you
> will be
> guided to YOUR perfect vehicle. I was.  Just as I was guided to
> this
> wonderful resource group. What a delightful and thoughtful community
> you/we
> all are.
>
> William
> http://members.home.net/holisticdream/vanagon1989.htm
>
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