I have made similar observations about the Samba in the past - and it is a
peeve of mine as well. The prices asked are often far too high for what is
being offered. It has been mentioned that there are a lot of factors at work
here - everything from geography, wishful thinking, to "Honey I'm trying to
sell it". (wiser folks than I have pinpointed these factors). Either way it
creates a place for inflated pricing that some people go to and use as a
trusted source when preparing to sell - thus driving up prices all the way
around to a degree. I will agree that there are some Vanagons on the Samba
that are worth every penny of the $16,000+ they are asking but I also see a
large amount of over priced projects. People hoping to recoup what they've
spent or fending off the Mrs. demand that the thing go.

I'm far from an expert but I have found that the thing that has worked best
for me was to find some kindred spirits (like those on this list) and know
that what I want can be found for a fair (or more than fair price) because
they (the seller) want to be sure the Vanagon is going to a good home. In
return I do my best to pass the good that was done for me on to others.

My Grover still needs a lot of work (and I have a long wish list) but I
wouldn't have him at all if it wasn't for the kind of people I mention above
(thanks Scotty, Brien, Billy, Dave, Joe, others).

I guess I got a bit off topic but my point was keep looking and talking with
other Vanagon lovers. You're bound to find what you want for a price you're
comfortable with. If those others really wanted to sell they would rethink
their prices - or at least reassess the real condition of what they are
selling.

--
Happy Hunting,

Jeff
'90 Carat (Grover)
'86 (We call this one Parts)
'85 GL (Preparing to move to a new Home)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus