What you really want is a leak down and oil pressure test, (hot engine). You
also want to have the coolant tested for hydrocarbons and how old is the
transmission? Check the crankshaft for excessive end play. The 1.9 can trash
the thrust bearing just like older beetle motors. Look carefully for recent
repairs and ask for a list. This is a bad mileage to acquire a vehicle as
many parts and systems will go this far but not much further. All vehicles
for sale have one thing in common, they are no longer wanted by their
current owners. You need to find out why? At this mileage if it has not been
done you will need to deal with it at some time in the future. This purchase
price can be considered as just the down payment depending on your
expectations and needs. Also consider the '84 is less desirable than the
later models.

Cooling system, pipes, hoses, heater cores and radiator. Dash fan.
Brakes, calipers/cylinders/hoses.
Suspension/ball joints/tie rods/rack/front radius rod mounts.

Being an 84 it may not have power steering. AC at best sucks. Has the
earlier small pad/thin rotor front brakes. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Stephen Cebula
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 1:06 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 1.9 Compression?

I'm looking at an 84 Westy on Saturday.� The guy want $6500 for it.� It
looks really clean but has 170K on the original motor.� He sent me a copy of
the compression test he had done in 2007 when he bought it.� It shows 140psi
on all 4 cylinders.� I'm planning on having another one done when I go look
at it.� What would be an acceptable number?� I've heard 145-190.
�
Thanks,
Steve