People will have different tolerance for risk, but if you come to look at my van with a clipboard, see ya.  You got to know what you're looking at to evaluate it.  Or take it to a VW mechanic. 

I didn't say I wouldn't talk about the van, just that a checklist and clipboard approach is not going to work for me. It is kind of a seller's market, especially if you want to buy one nearby that is in pretty good condition and priced appropriately.  

> With all due respect, someone looking
> to buy a vehicle is looking to take a great risk.� That
> person does not usually know the seller.� this is his
> or her chance to get to know the vehicle.� A seller who
> does not want to answer questions or help the prospective
> buyer get to know the vehicle is one from whom a buyer would
> be well advised to walk away.� "Trust me" is the most
> dangerous advice ever given by a vehicle seller to a
> prospective buyer.� Sorry Dave, but I would always walk
> from a seller with the attitude you've expressed.
> 
> McNeely
> 
> ---- David Vickery <david_vickery@YAHOO.COM>
> wrote: 
> > Al, If someone shows up with a list like that, they
> would get the boot.� I am the kind of person you want
> to buy a van from but my patience would be exhausted with
> that level of questioning from a newbie.� 
> > 
> > I would say:� 1.� "Tell me about the van",
> and form an opinion about the owner.� 2.� Take it
> to a VW shop to have it checked out if you don't get
> sufficient detail and trust from question 1.� It
> probably helps to look at/drive a few vans too before you
> are ready to buy, so when the right one comes along, you
> will recognize it and not have already bought the first POS
> you looked at.
> > 
> > Dave
> > 
> > --- On Wed, 1/19/11, Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> > 
> > > Hi Brad,� Heres a relevant pointer:
> > > 
> > > http://www.vanagon.com/info/articles/buying/bus-buyers-guide/index.htm
> > > 
> > >