Hi, David-

IMHO:  I would JUMP on this vehicle for $4k.

I just bought a 1984 Westy (122,000 miles) this year for $6,000 even.
It's in pretty good condition and has A/C.  There was another '84 Westy
in this area at that time with an asking price of $7,500.  The Kelley
Blue Book retail price was right around $7k.

Yes, there CAN be MAJOR problems with heads and cooling in the 83.5-85
Vanagons (and later models, too, huh?).  However, they CAN be fixed!  In
my case the P.O. had already done the major stuff: new heads and a
COMPLETELY new cooling system (down to the radiator).  This work was
expensive: about $2k-$3k (at a VW dealer).  However, even if you pay the
$4,000 asking price, then have $2,000 worth of work done (NOT at a
dealership), you've "only" invested about $6k in an 85 Westy that you
will KNOW is in pretty good shape mechanically.  I would bet that the KBB
retail value is in the neighborhood of $8k.

Having said all this, I would STILL have a reputable mechanic give it a
once-over (maybe $75 to $100, but a darn good investment).

Good luck!  Let us all know how this turns out for you.

Marty Wallace (1984 Westfalia "Heisenberg")
Chico, California

----------(original message)------------
I am looking at a 1985 Vanagon Westy, approx. 98k miles.  Body is in good
shape with only one ding on the rear hatch and a missing cover for the
outside power plug.  Everything seems to be in good order with the
exception
of the sink faucet. (CO replaced a broken one with a sink spray nozzle and
a
switch)  No tell-tale signs of leaking antifreeze, but when I looked at it,
the coolant overflow tank was dry.  Engine is really dirty, but this is
West
Texas and dust is our thing.  Interior is in great shape, and the A/C blows
cold.  I haven't had time to test drive it yet.

Is there anything special I need to know about the 85's?  I read all the
posts about leaking heads, etc. and I am a little gun-shy about a
water-cooled.  Too many years driving air-cooled VW's I guess.  I would
really love to "upgrade" to a newer Vanagon with heat and A/C, but I'm
concerned about the cost of repairs.

The guy (2nd owner) is only asking $4k for it.  What should I look for?

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