FWIW, I sold my pristine '84 in 2004 for $6500 the first day it was
advertised on Craigslist.  It had 250,000 miles on it, and no AC or power
steering, but the engine was a new 2.1l, and the transmission was also new,
and both had warranties.

It always comes down to a willing buyer, but this is definitely an
optimistic price.  It's also amazing that you got that far without a new
engine.  I had done two head seal replacements and replaced both the engine
and transmission twice by then, and I do rigorous maintenance.
If you aren't the first owner, it may not be the original engine and
transmission and you don't know it.

The AC uses old (and banned) R12, and you'll have to update it or find
someone who will refill it with R12.  Either will be $500 or more at an AC
shop.

Good luck!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Felicia
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 12:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: '85 Westy w/ 211,000 miles for $7500

Greetings,

First post, here.  I've been lurking, reading the archives and current
discussions.
Used to drive a plain jane Mitsubishi L300 with a futon & camping gear
tossed in back and was sorry to see her go when she developed
electrical problems.

Nothing like the 85 Westy I'm about to drive 200 miles roundtrip to go
check out.
This Westy's got 211,000 miles on the original engine and tranny.
For comparision, another Westy in the vicinity just sold for $6500 with
155,000 miles on the original engine and tranny.

I'm in NorCal near Chico and would like to drive her out to the coastal
redwoods (4 hr drive)
and then up through Oregon along the Columbia river gorge.  That means
going East to West across mountain passes, and then some.  But, it
seems to me that's taking an awful chance...
at 211,000 miles, isn't it waaaaay overdue for a new tranny/engine
overhaul/replacement/blown head gasket?
Also, the a/c doesn't work. Could be all it needs is freon recharge...
or new seals.

Other questions:
What can I reasonably expect to pay a good VW mechanic for engine
overhaul & transmission work when needed?
Would you pay $7500 for a Westy with 211,000 miles on the engine if
everything else (not the ac) looks and sounds good?  What's a
reasonable offer in California?

thanks a million,

Felicia - rank noOb