Wow, $20K? We need to talk about what's considered a "good running
late model Westy".
Not too long ago Ben mentioned an average billing of $12k for a
conversion, if that was my world I would not be here, nor would I
with the need for $20k to have a good running Westy.

My '84 Westy ran great when I bought it for $4700. I put in a new
fuel tank/hoses (pump howled and it ran out of gas at 3/4 of a tank)
and windshield (it was cracked in 2 places), that's another 5 or 6
hundred. We took off camping (a few thousand miles R/T).
Later I converted the engine to a Subie  (because it's better), put
in a new radiator at the same time and that was another $3k.

We just took it down US 101 and back, plus I drive it to work
everyday. Maybe it has to be a 90 or 91 to be "late model"?

Rob
becida@comcast.net

  At  7/30/2010 01:44 PM, B Feddish wrote:
>
>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
>
>
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