I don't doubt that some people put that much money into their vans. And especially if paying retail prices.

What I do find surprising is expecting to get that investment back, to break even at the most.

There is a good amount of irrationality involved with some of the van improvements I see. Not that the mods done are irrational, but rather that you really need that mod now.

I thought the van market peaked 10 years ago, but obviously I was wrong. But I still feel the market is a bit of a bubble.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the work that some people do to their vans. But realistically that money should be classified as recreation and amusement expenses, not as an investment.

But with Vanagons I have a particular point of view that might not be shared by most. It's a hobby for me and I really can't put a dollar figure on the hours I've spent doing things to the vans I've owned. Whether it's regular maintenance, repairs, or modifications, I put a lot into the vans I've owned but I have never once thought of it as an investment.

I just want to have the van run well, and have fun.

Alistair

> On Apr 16, 2016, at 2:58 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> He says he's $100k into it. I believe him, but he's going to take a big loss. 
> 
> Stuart
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Neil N [mailto:musomuso@gmail.com] 
> Sent: Saturday, April 16, 2016 11:59 AM
> To: Stuart MacMillan
> Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> Subject: Re: Interesting Syncro TDI on The Samba
> 
> That rig likely has a niche appeal or market. However....
> It's had a more than seats done to it!    ;)
> 
> Not saying his ask price is in line, especially since I know little about Syncros but the list of work done is something to consider.
> 
> Wouldn't just the transmission work alone be pricey to get done?
> 
> 
>> On 4/15/16, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Land Rover seats front and rear, and you get to make all you own 
>> cabinets for only $79,900:
>> http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1917400
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Stuart
> 
> 
> --
> Neil n
> 
> Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
> 
> 1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
> 
> 1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>
> 
> Vanagon-Bus VAG Gas Engine Swap Group <http://tinyurl.com/khalbay>