Benny Boy once said that to get a good running late model Westy you are going to pay $20K. Whether it be a good $20K van or a $15K van that will need $5K of work or a $10K van that needs $10K of work, etc.  Watchin Westy prices over the years this really seems to be the case.  Sure, if you are patient you may find some old couple selling thier "had since new" van with only 75K miles on it for $10K but this is the exeption rather than the rule.  If I were in the market for a Vanagon Westy I would expect to pay $15K to $20K for a late model in excellent shape.  Lots of people poo poo the 83.5's to 85's but $8K to $10K will get you a pretty nice van of that vintage. Same goes for the air cooled 80 to 83's out there.  
 
This is just me but if I had < $10K to spend I'd get an '83 to '85.  If I had $15K I might take a look at some later model Westy's.  In the high teens or low 20's I'd probably get an '01 to '03 Eurovan MV Weekender and from that and and later I'd be looking at a full EV camper.
 
Bryan
 
> Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:54:10 -0400
> From: dgp6@PITT.EDU
> Subject: second newby question
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> Hi All
> 
> Thanks for the many warm "welcomes". Still very much enjoying the list and learning stuff too!
> 
> My Vanagon search is still ongoing. I am focused (after taking advice from many folks on this list) on a later model.
> 
> Question: There is an ongoing ebay auction for restored Westy. It is out of my price range (almost 20k buy it now) but a statement in the auction description caught my eye and I would be interested to hear feedback from you guys.
> 
> Specifically the seller sates..."If you buy an $8000 to $13,000 Westy, you will need to add up to $8000 in parts to make it reliable, and thats BEFORE you touch the engine or tranny! "
> 
> Do you agree? Obviously it is possible but I'd be interested to hear thoughts based on real world experience.
> 
> Thanks again
> 
> Dave