Hey, just curious.....

snipped -------------
> I also like to look at the oil filter.  You can tell if the owner did his
> own oil changes or paid someone else.
end snipped ------------

how can you tell this, and why would you care???  I do my own oil changes
and buy a filter that is often times VW OEM...

I think if you are going to look at the oil filter, a good thing to notice
would be whether it is completely rusted through, and spewing oil, or in
tact... otherwise it doesn't really tell me so much. Am I wrong here?

RSF

<�)))>{   <�)))>{   <�)))>{   <�)))>{   <�)))>{   <�)))>{

Robert S. Fish
Salzburg, Austria
1987 Wolfsburg Vanagon 2.1 GL Weekender
1987 Golf Cabriolet
1991 Golf

----- Original Message -----
From: "John McLean" <jaymac@INTERNETCDS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, March 06, 2002 6:55 AM
Subject: Re: What do I look for?

> > I'm going to look at a 90 Carat tomorrow, with 75,000 miles on the whole
> > van.
> >
> > Other than thoroughly checking out the hatch shocks, what should I
> > really be looking for?
> >
>
> My wife's stepfather told me years ago that the only thing he looked at
> besides the obvious condition of the vehicle was to
> check the coolant for oil and the oil for coolant.   He owned a car lot
for
> several years if that matters.
>
> I also like to look at the oil filter.  You can tell if the owner did his
> own oil changes or paid someone else.   I like to look at the tires ( all
> the same? ).   Look in the engine compartment to see if any components are
> new.   Most of all feel the vibe of the situation - if you have a nagging
> feeling in your gut - walk away.   Even a 90 Carat with 75,000 miles on it
> could be a lemon.
> For sure drive it until it is fully warmed up then get out and walk around
> looking and smelling and listening.   Some problems will not reveal
> themselves while the engine is cool.
>
> Look under the back seat for heater core leaks.   Check around the lower
> edge of the windshield for leaks.   Make sure the rear wiper/washer works.
> Ask to see the work invoices for what has been done.
>
> That's all I can think of.....
>
> John McLean   87  Vanagon  GL
>