Battery removal in donated cars is common. Either the charity employee
needed one or the donater needed one for the new car that they bought.Does
it still have a radio? Dont try to start it with jumper cables and no
battery.Here is a suggestion for checking out the condition of the head
gaskets- bad gaskets are a common reason for donating.When I am looking at
a vanagon and cant start it or ask the owner questions, this is what I do.
I put an antifreeze tester($2) into the overflow tank and draw out a
sample. What , no antifreeze in the overflow tank!!!??? I then put it into
the expansion tank. If the concentration is less than 50/50 I suspect a
head gasket problem. If it is far less than 50/50 I declare a head gasket
problem and move on.You see, when an owner gets this leak for the first
time it is a learning experience for them.They add antifreeze to the
overflow tank to top off the leak. As time passes, they discover  that this
is not working and costing them a fortune. They stop and just add water.
Soon, they know that they have an expensive situation and donation gets
them the most for the old junker, without the problems of selling it.Seen
it lots of times.However , you may get a good ride. Check the overall
condition and determin what you think.Check the tires. If they infalte to
only 35 or 44psi , these are car tires. The po didnt have the money to
spend or didnt care to get the correct tires.Another clue. Lastly ,
scrounge all over the interior for a piece of paper that may have the
previous owners name on it . Call 411 and get their phone number.Call them
and introduce yourself as a potential buyer of the van.Most times they are
willing to talk about the vehicle.Cant say about the diesel, but man I
think this is the future of vanagons.