See interlined below ...

"rmstewart@mac.com" wrote:

> Hey Everyone,
>
> Still on my search for nice blue auto carat, found one but it has some
> issues and wanted to get your feedback.
>
> The owner says the air conditioning system needs a compressor, is this
> expensive to purchase?  How expensive is the installation?
>

I dunno about the price, but to pull it is pretty easy - I say do it yourself
and save $$$$.

>
> Next the Rear tires only have a little life in them, how much are good rear
> tires and installation?
>

Vredestein Transport Steel are rated for this van.  $95/each plus whatever
your shot charges for a swap.  great tires on dry and wet - marginal in
winter.  Vredestein also makes a similar snow tire - beleive it is called the
Snow Steel.

>
> Lastly the car stereo, he1s taking it out, how much for decent one with
> installation?
>
> Oh, there1s a small corner dent (check the samba link to see the images) on
> rear just above the right bumper and it1s missing the rear seat head rests.
>

If this is a '91 and that's all the damage the van has - you are lucky.

> How much should the rear headrests costs to replace?
>
> He wants $3900 for the van, does not seem it1s worth that much with the
> dent, compressor costs, tire replacement and stereo replacement, what do
> think it1s worth?

If all the seller claims is true then it might be a good deal - of course it
is so hard to tell.  The real problem when buying a vehicle long-distance.  I
almost bought a '93 Eurovan MV in FLA.  ORinginal owner 45K miles.  Too bad
when I got there to take delivery I found out that they had never changed the
coolant or brake fluid in 9 years.  My bad for not asking.  A big waste of
money on my part, but I walked.  Oh yeah there were other issues of damage and
interior wear& tear that the guy wasn't up front about.  An expensive lesson
for me.

I bought a '91 Carat (blue too) 18 mos ago and am spending some cash and sweat
equity to make it reliable again for the long term.  I hope that pans out
because if I end up selling within a few years I'll never get the investment
back out of the van.  Of course I keep holding to that concept because I
really enjoy driving this van.

Hope this helps.

bem