Tim,
I live in BC and just brought an '87 syncro up.  Didn't have to add daytime
lights, change the odometer, etc.  Being over 15 years old helps...no
federal inspection required.
John
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Collum" <collum@VERIZON.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 10:17 AM
Subject: Re: 87 vs 93

> Hi Tim,
>
> You're going to get various opinions ... and certainly not all will be in
> keeping with YOUR wants and needs.  That being said ....
>
> I would go for the '87 and install a 2 person middle bench seat.  The ones
> made for Westies have "tilt" backs which allow easy access to the rear
> seat.
> They slide out easily for camping and can even be used at the campsite as
> a
> couch outside the van ... especially if you also have a side tent.  They
> can
> also be slid in as rear facing.
>
> My '85 Westy had the tracks in the floor when I got it and about a year
> later I found and purchased a matching tan seat for it.  It sure does make
> it more versatile.  Now I don't "have to" use my '84 7 passenger when I
> take
> company about for tours, shopping, etc.
>
> Vanagons are special breed with special needs and you almost have to have
> some mechanical skills ... or the ability to develop them in order to own
> one without spending something akin to the national debt on repairs by
> "others".
>
> Mike
> '84 GL 7 pass
> '85 GL Westy
>
>
>
>
> I am looking into buying a VW van and presently have 2 possible choices.
> A 93 EuroVan MV vs 87 Westy camper.
> They both have ADs and DisAds.
> A camper woulld be totally cool but does not fit my family perfectly as
> we will be 5 in Feb (this means 3 in car or booster seats) and tracking
> down a rear facing jump seat in Canada may be tough. The camper has over
> 200 000 KM but had the engine rebuilt 5000 km ago and for roughly
> $10000US seems a fair price.
>
> The MV (short one seat for some reason) holds 6, has a pop top, 129000
> miles, appears to be in mint condion and expected to cost about 8000US$
> but will have to be imported into Canada and will require minor work
> (change odometer and install day time running lights) and be dinged by
> 15% TAX to get it across the border and
>