In a message dated 98-08-30 15:52:59 EDT, Dave wrote:

<< When I mentioned that at 135k miles it might be due for an engine rebuild,
he muttered "no, these will do 250,000 before that is needed".
 Eventually with jumpers the engine was started and he took me for a
 brief ride about 1/2 mile up and down a private road on his property.
 The engine surged and bucked like a wild horse, the brakes worked.
 He explained that he could not take it on the road because it had no
 plates (true).>>

If it hasn't had a top end rebuild yet, you probably have need of one in the
near future.

<< The owners asking price was $6,500 and when I stoically said "I think it
 needs work", he agreed and say he would let it go for $1000 less.
 My questions to all you Vanagon gurus out there is: is $5,500 a
 reasonable price for this model in this condition. I really liked the
 color and imagine it would be quite difficult to find another in this
 color.>>

I paid $4000 for my 89 Carat in NJ in May. Paint is mediocre (Bordeaux), some
small dents and scratches, some respray from a minor acccident,  interior,
worn but not worn out and clean. Good drivability from day one, AC needed
work, needed some work to pass emissions. Four brand new Michelins with the
proper load rating. 141K mi.

 <<I anticipate it will need an engine rebuild or at least some major work,
 and a complere interior refurbishment.>>

Parts could be a little tough to get for the interior.

<<  Also, I noticed holes in the top of the rear seat for headrests, but the
 owner said it never had headrests on the rear seat, is this true?>>

My Carat has three headrests on the back bench. However, the PO had to search
around to find them in his garage. They have to removed to convert the bench
to a bed. I suspect that's why they're not there. Maybe your guy wasn't the
original owner.

 <<Lastly, if there are any knowledgeable Vanagon experts out there on Long
 Island, New York would they care to go with me and look at this van
 again (I will pay gas and tolls)?
 - David >>

It sounds a bit high for an east coast vehicle considering it doesn't sound
well cared for. Others on the list may know better.

Paul
89 Carat 146K