Chris:

I’ve purchased VWs T3 & LT  from Europe … and a Vanagon from {almost} the other side of Canada (Calgary) without seeing them in person.  I have a document I send which requests a pile of information and photos.  If we get past that stage, then I find a local VW garage and pay to have the vehicle inspected.

I’ve not yet encountered an “unanticipated” surprise.

> On 01-Jun-2018, at 13:08, Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> I recently made an offer on a Vanagon I have not seen in person. I have seen full-sized pictures and asked a lot of questions based on my 18 years of Vanagon ownership and fixership experience. The owner was taken aside. They expected I would fly to California from Atlanta first then make an offer. I did not lowball. 
> 
> What’s your experience?
> 
> Chris