I'm still considering the purchace of an '82 diesel 7-passenger. I had a chance to look at more closely the other day, and discovered more rust than I had seen before. I'm trying to talk myself out of buying it, but I'm still drawn to it. 
 
This one is  which is close to me and having the engine rebuilt by a mechanic who does decent work, but has rust which isn't all the way through (except driver's area under door where you step in) but is pretty widespread. Basically, I'd have to accept the fact that the body would keep rusting pretty quickly- it's just too much rust to economically fix. I would eventually put in a veg oil conversion.
 
The other diesel Vanagon that I am considering is on the Samba in NH. Body in pretty good shape according to pictures and the guy at the shop selling it. Interior in great shape, better than the one close to me. But about 140,000 miles on it, and I don't trust an old diesel in a Vanagon. They last a long time in a VW car, but seem to go less than half the miles before needing a rebuild in a Vanagon. 
 
Is there anyone on the list who is in NH and has seen the one on the Samba?
 
How about opinions on rebuilt engine with rusty body vs. older engine and good body?
 
Ed
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