Hi Brad,

Good move - (1) settling on a Vanagon as the basic vehicle, and (2)
asking this list for advice.

I have three straight Vanagons - no campers. I have two 88 GL's with
manual tranny, and one '91 Carat with auto tranny. The two '88's are y
work horses and the Carat is my touring vehicle. I settled on the first
two as basically they provide me with a rolling set of auto-parts, all
interchangeable between the two vehicles. The Carat sort of fell on me,
but with it I am delighted. It is such a plush vehicle compared  to the
other two. Curtains for privacy, plush seating, heavy sound deadening,
all electric windows, etc, Plush jump seats, fold out table, drink
holders all the way around. Air condition4ed. Very nice. Why these three
vehicles? Well - the configuration of the vehicle. There is none on the
market today that can match the Vanagon. And - I found I didn't really
need a camper for most camping I do.

I wish you every success on your hunt.

John

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 1/17/2011 11:27 AM, Brad Pauly wrote:
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I think I'm finally ready to take the plunge. 10 years ago I was
> searching pretty seriously but never pulled the trigger. This time I
> think I'm ready. I was hoping to get some first time buyer advice.
> I've been looking for '86 and newer Westys. Originally I was set on a
> full camper, however, I think I'd be really happy with a weekender (at
> least at first).
>
> I'm not really a "car guy." I'm actually an engineer on paper so I can
> understand most of that stuff. I do like tinkering, but it's been with
> bicycles all my life which are decidedly less complex. I have two main
> questions.
>
> Should I avoid out-of-state vans? Not having experience working on
> cars it makes me a little nervous. If I could find a good local
> mechanic to make sure things are okay I'd feel much better though.
>
> What about older vans? Am I needlessly limiting myself with '86 and newer?
>
> Thanks for any advice or feedback!
>
> Cheers,
> Brad
>
>