Hello everyone,
I recently decided to get a 86-91 Vanagon and have been looking around on
the web at various models.
The Van will be my first car. I am currently looking at a 1990 Carat van in
Maryland that has 160,000 miles on
it, the owner claims that the previous owner rebuilt the auto transmission
and engine heads as it runs really tight.
He owns an 88 currently and says everything is fine with the Van except a
slight rust spot on the rear
hatch window, a small 1 inch tear in the rear cloth seat and that the center
rear air vents running down the
center of the van was taken down as well as some of the wheels are missing
the lug cap covers. He wants $4500 for it, what do you think?

How much mileage is too much on a used Van?

How is body mileage different from engine mileage and how does body
mileage play a part on the car�s life? What parts need replacement when?

Is it safe purchase a van from the internet that has been Carfax inspected,
taken to 
a mechanic, inspected and checked and bought soley on a mechanics
findings if your out of state and far from the van?

I am looking buy this van to drive cross country from NYC to California in
a couple of months, any advice for road trips and what to have in the van
Or what to do to the van to make it roadworthy would be great.

I am also wondering about adding a great stereo system with a rear subwoofer
and rear speakers as well as front units with plenty of power if anyone has
advise on that as well. (Amplifiers, placement of speakers, best place to
install and hide amp and cd/changer)

Lastly I was wondering about good high beam light replacements as well as
installing fog lights, what brands and how/where is best to install it,
whether the electrical system can handle it.

Any help you can provide would be great.

Thanks to everyone in advance,

Robert
NYC