Folks - I posted on this last week and didn't get much response, so allow me
to rephrase.
I have an 87 GL Weekender with auto trans I bought about a year ago. Took a
chance on it at an auto auction as I needed something for my son to get to
school and the price seemed right. Ran pretty good for awhile, and I put
some money into a brake job including new rotors. Alternator got replaced by
a reliable local mechanic. I asked him for an evaluation of it, and he said
it had probably gotten too hot at some point in the past and that made the
engine suspect. He also detected some lurking transmission problem. Couple
months later now, and though it starts and runs ok, won't shift up. Can't
tell if it's only got first gear or first and second, but it seems to
freewheel when you're at about 30mph. Body and interior in ok shape, handles
well, newish tires.
If I had time and space yadda yadda I might work on it, but as it is I need
to move on. Don't want to throw money at it, My question to you is:
-with 160K miles and stated problems, what is it worth?
-am I likely to find a buyer for it as is, or should I be thinking about
parting it out?
-would I be smarter to donate it for the tax advantage?
I have had a number of VWs in the past but this is our first Vanagon and I
would appreciate any advice. I hate to see it junked if someone wants it.

Thanks,
Barry Martin
Napa CA