On 8/30/05, JordanVw@aol.com <JordanVw@aol.com> wrote: 
> 
> just $2500?? you cant barely even buy a used TDI engine for that.. this
> is a good deal.. ben, snap this one up :<)
> 
> chris

 Chris,
 I test drove it last night. I am hesitant because it was very sluggish on 
the hills compared to my 1.9td. Gearing is simialr if not the same. I even 
have bigger wheels and tires. It just did not feel like a 1.9. It felt more 
like a 1.6td. Besides that, I stood on the throttle on Sunset Blvd and could 
only make 45 mph. It's almost as if it was on limp mode or a bad turbo. 
Boost gauge edges up but does not feel like it. The 5speed is nice thought 
takes some getting used to get into some of the gears. It did not behave 
like my other 5-speeds either.
 The extra tank is missing as well as the 2nd battery. It would seem like 
the owner's fault. 
He was posting what he former owner told him. When he called the guy last 
night, he was told those items had been removed.
 There are some rust holes at the base of the front windshield and at two 
spots around the rear most passenger side window. The are some scrapes and 
bruises from minor mishaps. There was a rear overflow bottle to the right 
rear of the luggage area. Not sure if it works because it look empty in the 
dark. Just below this is a hole cut out of the floor for storage. Overall I 
would rate the body at a 3 on scale of 10. It will need a paintjob if you 
fancy a pretty van. It would make a good work truck or parts car in my 
opinion. But then we are spoiled here in the West Coast. This is probably 
reasonably pristine for East Coasters.
 Interior is a mismatch of pieces. Stock 84 GL passenger seat and rear 
bench. Driver's seat is from an 80's Audi. Leather and heated but split at 
the seams. Matches nothing in the van. Middle bench is from an early 80's L 
model. Basic vinyl bench. Houndstooth interior is OK for daily for work 
truck.
 Could not see the tires very well. No hubcaps. Tires did not look 
impressive. Brakes worked but were a little mushy. No tach. Clock on one 
side. There was a mishmash of extra gauges. they were not pretty but they 
seem to work from what I can remember.
 I'm still thinking about it. I want it for the conversion pieces but the 
engine is highly suspect. I am just used to fast diesels. This falls under 
the moving guardrail category. It could be something very simple or it could 
be toast. I was not able to tell from the amount of time I spend driving it. 
If you are not a a hurry and just want a diesel, here's your van, baby. if 
you are looking for smooth as glass with power to match TDI, keep walking 
there are some issues on this van which will need some immediate attention.
 IMHO it is still worth the price if that helps any of you.
 BenT