I'm still seriously considering an '87 Vanagon with 110K. I went out to look
at the vehicle and, from a quick once over (I don't do mechanics), it is in
immaculate, almost showroom condition. The only visual flaws are a bleach
accident spot (~1 1/2") on the carpet and a couple of very minor scratches
(less than 1/2") on the back where the wife forgot to put on the parking
brake and it rolled down into a mesquite tree.

One accident ... rear-ended at a stop light. Supposedly the only damage was
that the rear bumper had to be replaced. They have ALL the service records
from day one, most of them from a local independent shop (where I got the
lead on this ... owner says it's the only used one on his "for sale" board
that he would recommend). Air conditioning system was completely replaced
within the past year, alternator, a couple other things. Odometer needs to
be replaced.

I'm going to have another independent VW mechanic go over the van thoroughly
to check the mechanics. What I'm wondering is what I might have to look at
in the next 3-5 years as far as major repairs? I'll comment that I was at
the local Camping World yesterday and happened to see a van in the parking
lot. Customer, from Ontario, said he had about 225K and was on his third
engine. Obviously new paint but it looked immaculate. Man and his wife had
been all over, including trips to Alaska. I got the impression they were
full-timers. (Having spent 6 weeks on the road in my old van, two adults and
a chile, I know it can be done!)

As an aside, I was looking at used SUVs in the same price range as the van
(~10,000). Lots of stuff out there, but I have the suspicion that an
Explorer or Jeep or equivalent with about 85k miles might have more
potentially go wrong at a higher price.

Comments, please?

  -- Joanna, van-less in Arizona