Hi John,

        If you decide to sell I wish you the best luck with the sale and your future mobility choices.

        My 84 was sold to me by a lovely couple one of them was in his early 80’s.  After 30 years they needed a different kind of vehicle. 

        I have that van in much better shape than it was and plan to keep maintaining it and using it as long as I can.

But, I also have a plan for where it goes if I suddenly am unable to care for it. 

So, I think for such a treasure it is good to think about.  Is it your goal to prioritize getting as. Much money back, or to finding it a caretaker that will use it in a way you appreciate.  

Of course no guarantees once it is gone. 

Before I purchased the 84 I asked the folks that question.  They needed to get a certain return on it.  I had suggested selling it to a person that had the skills to maintain it but not the finances to purchase such an expensive van.

In the end they wanted to get some value back.  I purchased it after seeing the Samba add.  The van was not given away but the value requested was something I could afford for such a nice van.

This is a long commentary but I’m trying to say with regard to your vanagon legacy for van and parts there is still a community you can support if it is time to move on. 

Get the price you need, but keep an eye out for a good match for your beautiful van. 

The other thing I’ve seen is people purchase a van at a high price point thinking it will be care free.  In a short time it is no longer rust freee and mechanically strong.  Then the decline happens fast. 

Man, I’m silly about these vans.

Warmest wishes to you John with this decision.  I wish you the best in keeping or moving on. 
 And, no matter what, I hope you stay on list to share your knowledge and companionship.

Eric Caron 

> On Jul 21, 2023, at 9:40 AM, John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Ken, thanks for the info. That gives me a starting point. No rust, by the
> way. Until me, this has always been an Alabama van since it was driven off
> the showroom floor by the original owner.
> 
> On Fri, Jul 21, 2023 at 8:24 AM kenneth wilford (Van-Again) <
> kenwilfy@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
>> John, I sold a very rusty Carat with a Bostig conversion a few years ago
>> for $15k.  Just FYI.
>> 
>> Ken
>> 
>> On Fri, Jul 21, 2023, 12:58 AM John Rodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> The time has come, the walrus said, to speak of many things,
>>> Of sailing ships, and sealing wax, and cabbages and kings,
>>> And Vanagons!
>>> 
>>> I never thought I would be thinking this, but I am strongly
>>> considering selling my relatively new to me SUBIEGON. So many negative
>>> things have happened with and to me in the last three years that it has
>>> brought me to this point. Because of injuries, aging (I'm 84), and
>>> changes in living quarters, I can no longer work on my vans which  I have
>>> always done in the past. I'm even finding it somewhat difficult to even
>>> get
>>> in and out of it.
>>> 
>>> Would like some general value opinions please. Of course real value is
>>> always in the eye of the beholder. What do you think as ballpark.
>>> 
>>> The very basics :
>>> 
>>> Body - 1991 Carat, jump seats,
>>> 
>>> Engine - Subaru EJ 2.5 L, new complete full engine overhaul, with all
>>> new accessories. ZERO miles except for 2500 miles during a very careful
>>> break-in.
>>> 
>>> Small car installation.with extras
>>> 
>>> Automatic Transmission
>>> 
>>