Oh, and one more thing:  

Find a good mechanic!  This is crucial, I've had some bad ones AND have
been taken once for a very big and unjustified bill.  You might ask
someone on this list for a good mechanic in your area.  If you're in the
Los Angeles/Orange County area of Southern California, I can tell you a
great mechanic and a place to avoid.

> ----------
> From: 	Erik Rhodes[SMTP:ErikRhodes@platsoft.com]
> Sent: 	Friday, August 08, 1997 9:35 AM
> To: 	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: 	RE: Basic VW camper info needed
> 
> Matt,
> 
> Here's something to maybe look out for more than what specifically to
> buy:
> 
> I bought a 1979 Westphalia about two years ago.  It's a good car but
> there have been a few expensive repairs.  I would just say that if
> you're going to go for one of the older ones--and unless you
> specifically want to love an older one, don't do it--make sure to take
> it to Volkswagen and get a full diagnostic checkout.  They're built to
> last but old cars are old through and through and there are just a lot
> of things that just need to go bad after a certain number of years no
> matter how good they're built, no way around it, from transmissions to
> wheel bearings and little rubber thingies and seat covers.
> 
> So if you're looking for a functional travel machine off the bat, I'd
> really suggest getting as new a van as you can.  An old van well taken
> care of is certainly better than a beat up newer van, but all things
> being equal, go with the newer model.
> 
> Good luck and welcome!
> Erik
> 
> 
> 
> > ----------
> > From: 	Matthew Kavanaugh[SMTP:mkavanau@earthlink.net]
> > Sent: 	Friday, August 08, 1997 9:11 AM
> > To: 	Multiple recipients of list
> > Subject: 	Basic VW camper info needed
> > 
> > Hi all,
> > 
> > I'm a new subscriber to the list (and to the type2 list).  I've
> gotten
> > it
> > into my head that it would be fun thing for me and my wife and three
> > young
> > kids if I bought a VW camper... but I have no idea what I want/need.
> > I have
> > looked at the vanagon.com website and some of the other VW web
> > resources,
> > but I'm still not sure...
> > 
> > For anyone with a little time and patience, maybe you could give me
> > some
> > guidance, on or off list.  I'm interested in spending $5-$10,000 for
> a
> > VW
> > camper with stove, fridge, sink, and other camping equipment (as
> much
> > as
> > possible), and I would like to buy something with character and
> > personality... We owned three VW's when I was a kid (2 bugs and a
> > thing),
> > and I have very fond memories...
> > 
> > Am I looking for a type2?  What year models are type2's?  Am I
> looking
> > for a
> > Vanagon?  Either generally?
> > 
> > Any advice, including references to basic VW resources, would be
> much
> > appreciated.  TIA.
> > 
> > Matt
> > Encino, CA
> > 
> > "The body was meant for motion.  The body is begging you to let it
> > go."
> > Walking Don Moseman.
> > 
> > Matthew Kavanaugh
> > Encino, California
> > mkavanau@earthlink.net
> > 
>