Get a compression test done and have the mechanic test the oil pressure.
Good sign of overall condition.  I sold my '86 with about 140,000 miles on
it and the new owner drove it to Washington state.  I live in Delaware and
the new owners left from Maryland.  They did some brake work and a new fuel
filter and away they went.

                                                                  Jay

Bob Whitby <rpwhitby@MINDSPRING.COM>@gerry.vanagon.com> on 04/03/2002
10:49:48 PM

Please respond to Bob Whitby <rpwhitby@MINDSPRING.COM>

Sent by:    Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>

To:    vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:
Subject:    Am I crazy?

Delurking here to get a bit of advice. I am considering the purchase of a
1987 Westy, A/C auto. The body is in very nice shape, interior is squeaky
clean. Original engine. 155,000 miles. Some head work done, I'm not exactly
sure what. And now the question:
Am I crazy to be buying this thing with the expectation that it will take
me, the wife, and two kids on a 8,000-mile plus tour of the east coast and
Canada? I've owned many VWs in the past, but never a WBX. I am mechanically
inclined, as all VW owners either are or will be at some point. I don't
mind doing the work, in fact I enjoy it. However I'm too old to see much
romance in being stuck by the side of the road, wife cursing and kids
screaming, while the Westy boils over. I know a lot depends on condition
and prior maintenance blah blah blah. Just tell me if indeed a trip like
this is some kind of flashback and I should get a F*rd, or indeed if this
is still doable in this day and age.
With much anxiety over joining the WBX crowd,
Bob W