> I think that the prices listed on the samba & the prices sold for are
> not necessarily even close, & that volks list their items on the samba
> based on what they see other volks list items for, which furthers the
> cycle of high prices?

(Hope I'm not to dominating the rap)
(Hope I've got something new to say :o)

I've heard it said on this list, that the value of a Van
is exactly what the buyer and the seller agree it is.

But, Aside from all of the theories
on value, and there are a multitude !
including supply and demand.
It looks like to me, across the board,
most Vanagons sell within a certain
range or envelope of price ........

Regardless of condition !!!

So, it's up to the Buyer
to do his due diligence !!!

To check the bus out very well!
And hopfully, end up with a fairly good one!

And, It's near impossible to do this
cross country; and not in person!

Remember;
One Man's Engine Rebuild Is Another Man's Spark Plug Change !!!!  ;o)

And then, there's the Emotional Investments involved !!!
I'm sure many books have been written on this !

And if We All Really Wanted a Cheap Vehicle
I just Cant Imagine it would be a Vanagon anyway ! ;o)
(can we say, show me the ... $$$$$$$  ???

That said; most commonly,
Yes,
The Seller starts High
and the Buyer starts Low ;o)

My aim is for everyone involved
to be satisfied and relatively happy
with how the deal turned out.
Good for Everyone involved.

I realize no matter how good of condition
a bus is in, I'm going to have invest a lot more
into it to get to where ( I ) want it to be.

best of luck on our buying & selling !!!

JC...