Here's my take... Just gotta have the bucks.

I looked seriously at the tiico and subaru options but based on my skills
sets, learning curve, time and other factors the zetec seems to be the right
option for me.
How does that commercial go... I'm buying peace of mind.  After I change the
lines, hoses, brakes, wheel bearings, etc. I'm hoping to be able to jump in
the van and head out for any length of trip without much thought.  Just like
any new car.
Look at what a late 80's westy in good condition is going for on ebay or the
samba these days.  Some of them are upwards of $15,000.  what does that buy
you... Generally, you get a 20 year old car with 20 year old everything.
I got $3000 in the van, $8000 in the engine and $2000 in misc. parts.
$13,000, that's in the ball park of the ebay westy's but with all new
mechanicals.

Don't get me wrong... It's a lot of money!

PLUG and PLAY Baby!

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Mike Collum
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 8:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Spectators Welcome - Zetec Conversion in Dallas

<snip>
So, say $7-8000 & you are all set?  How much are the other conversions that
this is supposed to be cheaper than?

Tom

As I see it, they're saying the "Cost of ownership" is cheaper.  That's to
say that if you don't need to spend a lot of money on maintenance you'll
come out better in the long run.

Still, that initial cost is a bear for sure.

Mike