I second the "paying for a used Westy is just the downpayment for extended
maintainance costs"

Only paid $600 for Cunegonde (and she ran for
200 miles until the waterpump,
750 miles until the c-pipe and O2 sensor,
1500 miles until the transmission,
1800 miles until the u-joints,
3k until the front wheel bearings and struts,
4k until 15" rims and Geolandar tires,
5k until the front heater fan and heat exchanger,
6k until new ignition switch,
10k until engine swap

...and we haven't even replaced the rear struts and bearings, accordioned
bumpers, unspeakable headlights, or inadequate front brakes.