Dave,

I wasn't refering to anything specifc to the years, but the particular vehicles
that were available at the time (I should add that I looked all over the
country on epage, ebay, online newspapers, etc.).  It seemed that most of the
later model vanagons that I looked at were still working on original engines
and other mechanical equipment while those few 86s that were out there had
already had many of these items renewed, thus, the year issue was almost
inverted from what would seem obvious.  The 86s were still a bit cheaper (or
about the same price) but with many updates not found in the later ones. This
may have just been my experieince at the time and who knows what the market is
like now...

The only real differences after 86 are cosmetic and not even necessarily a good
idea if you ask me.  The engine, tranny, and all else mechanical and structural
is the same (other than the lowering of clearance by 1.2 inches--perhaps a
negative if you need it) from 86-91 (that was the range that I shot for in my
last vanagon purchase).  For example, I would much rather have a chrome bumper
than a piece of plastic that cracks VERY easily.  And, living in the hills, in
the country, the added clearance may help.

If a bigger VW logo on the front and back is an important thing to you, then I
guess the later years would be attractive.

You can see for yourself by comparing the info at:
http://www.vanagon.com/info/years/

If you are gonna get ANY vanagon that is over 100k on its first engine
(particularly with the original heads, untouched), I would suggest that you
work the price of a rebuild of at least the heads or new engine into the cost
as these things don't go a whole lot beyond that unless they ahve been tenderly
cared for since birth.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I bought an overpriced, overworked 89 a
few years back, believe me!

I have been much, much happier with my 86!

Greg

86 Westy
73 Thing
99 Subaru Forester

DaveC wrote:

> >I also happen to really prefer the tan interior.  In fict my dog
> >must be the same color
> >as Bill's since I never even notice the hair any longer.  When I was
> >buying this most
> >recent westy I was deliberating between many vans from 86-91 since
> >there is so little
> >difference between these years for the most part other than some cosmetics.
> >
> >I chose my 86 over a few 89s and a 90 because of many of the
> >mechanical issues potential
> >in the others...
>
> Greg,
> What mechanical issues would these be?
>
> Dave (deciding whether to buy an '86 or wait for a later model...)
>
> --
> Dave Carpenter
>
> Whatever you wish for me,
> May you have twice as much.

--
Greg Kessler
Graduate Oral Communications Coordinator
Ohio Program of Intensive English
143 Gordy Hall
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
Kessler@ohio.edu

http://www.ohiou.edu/opie/people/Kessler.html