Exactly! You could try for years and never come close to duplicating
that lucky buy.
You bought from someone who paid nothing for it and had no emotional
bond from big repair bills.
You bought during off season when few people were thinking about
spending money on camping.
You found a seller who did not appreciate the true value of the vehicle
and just wanted some cash.
You were the first to arrive with that cash.

Such a thing is not likely to happen on an enthusiast's list such as
this one and at this time of year. Many young people are right now
looking for a summer road trip vehicle. A groovy one like a Westy won't
languish on the market long if the price is low. In SoCal they are $3000
and up for one in reasonable condition. Nice ones are way more than
that. You can find passenger models in decent shape for $1500.

To get a good deal you need to be lucky, get there early, and bring
cash. When you hear of one near your price range drop everything and go.
Calling on a low priced one and telling the seller you will try to come
see it next week is not going to cut it. Asking a group of people who
know what they sell for to tell you about a near perfect one you can
almost get for free is perhaps a little naive.

Mark

Shawn Luft wrote:
>
> Where did I find the '86 Camper GL for 600$?
>
> Well I'll tell you!  I wasn't even looking for it..... it was just word of
> mouth.  You see, I've got an old '73 that I currently use during the warm
> seasons, so when word got out that someone wanted to sell the Vanagon, an
> e-mail with pics of the vehicle quickly got to me within a hop, skip and a
> jump.
>
> I drove out to see the vehicle right away, and the body and camping
> equipment was mint.  Once the vehicle started up and drove around the
> block, I knew I'd found a gem!!  (coincidentally I've been looking for a
> vehicle for my wife, so she can carry antique furniture to and from her
> workshop).
>
> Anyways, the previous owner had inherited the vehicle.... and I'm not sure
> he realized the full worth, despite the 5000$ asking price.  There was a
> snow storm that day, and nobody was in the mood to shop for a camping
> vehicle.  I suppose I was in the right place at the right time!  We talked
> it over a bit, and I made an offer, in cash for 600$.... and the PO
> accepted!
>
> So to sum it up, it's all about being in the right place at the right
> time.... and a little good karma probably helps too!  Oh yes, and it came
> equipped with 5 winter tires, and an awesome matching champagne coloured
> trailer that can be hauled behind the vehicle, and even a CB Radio, TV and
> wiring for a Satellite Dish!!
>
> Regards,
> Shawn
> '73 Campmobile
> '86 Camper GL