OT: Shopping for a Vanagon..., ...around 1990. Options

[ejm]

Like John said... aside from the head gasket issues that some Vanagons escaped they are pretty solid vehicles. In this part of the country rust on the coolant pipes and the top of the fuel tank is the bigger problem. A suby conversion is the way to go... I know someone with a somewhat abandoned project if you're interested...

I am a mechanic at a VW dealership, TRUST ME. you do not want a vanagon, we will not even take them in to work on!! I heartily recommend either buying an asian or domestic van, or holding out until "Project M"- our new minivan arrives next year as a 2008.

Most dealers turn away older cars because they have no techs with experience on them. Gotta ask yourself.. will that customer buy the new product when you don't support the old one?

[Series9]

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/215398552.html

http://denver.craigslist.org/car/214894690.html

OK, thanks Greg. So you know, I looked at everything in the US on Craigslist last night.

However, that '91 is close to what I'm seeking.

[TROJANMAN]

no problem. i search VW in Denver all the time, so no biggie. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

but i'm with a john......Big vans rule. You should get a pretty lavender one like Brant's

His Van Rocks !

Nice thing about a Van, is they make great tow vehicles

[Series9]

I am a mechanic at a VW dealership, TRUST ME. you do not want a vanagon, we will not even take them in to work on!! I heartily recommend either buying an asian or domestic van, or holding out until "Project M"- our new minivan arrives next year as a 2008.

Most dealers turn away older cars because they have no techs with experience on them. Gotta ask yourself.. will that customer buy the new product when you don't support the old one?

I don't think I'll be coming to MA for a project, but I appreciate the info.

As for the dealership, the more I think about it, the more angry it makes me.

They're happy to sell you the vehicle, then later, they bad-mouth it and refuse to service it. I don't think I'll be taking any advice from a 'dealer tech' who works at a dealer that refuses to service the vehicle I'm asking about. I'm sure he's a real expert on the model. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

I have a feeling that the 'dealership attitude' is going to keep my little shop busy with dealer haters like myself. Maybe I should specialize in Vanagons? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[Gint]

Joe, I *could* be interested in the 'rocco. How much and whats it's current status? Running, street legal, etc...

[Brian Mifsud]

I saw the coolest "SingleCab" the other day used as a delivery truck for the local "Buggy Shop". They took a standard wasserboxer vanagon, and sliced off the rear portion of the "box" right up to and behind the drivers seat. They then spliced the rear "hatchback" frame door and all to the rear of the "cab" that they created. Some diamond plate to build a rear deck, and some nice wooden removable stakes. Nicely finished.. looked almost factory, but better because you know the guy paid not over $700 for the Vanagon....

[bd1308]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif) I think I have one. I'm supposed to have one. I bought one last year but haven't went to get it. I should probably go pick it up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

I hate being so busy you can't remember where all your cars are....

Maybe you should ship a car down to KY for me to work on and keep running for you. I'll even put a megasquirt system on it for trade.

[andys]

Who are the Vanagon experts here?

If you want a van - Get a VAN.
You can get a nice Chevy for cheap.

Ditto to that! '86 Dodge B250 here (owned it since it had 4300 miles). Best tow vehicle I owned. Capitans chairs, TV/VCR, fold down couch, etc. Used the heck out of it; fantastic on long trips (kids sit way in the back and watch TV); super comfortable. If that's what you're looking for, they (perhaps later vintage) can be had for cheap, domestic parts available anywhere for cheap, comparatively easy to work on, super reliable.

Andys

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

...
Most dealers turn away older cars because they have no techs with experience on them. Gotta ask yourself.. will that customer buy the new product when you don't support the old one?

Even if they have people who can work on them, the rate is ridiculousy high. My buddy is a tech at the local VW dealership and said they had a late '70s SuperBeetle come in for brake work estimate: a little over $500. I was floored. I asked why because I knew he could easily do the work blindfolded (he's a T3 nut who worked at our shop for awhile) but he said that's just how the dealership is. Install new rear wheel cylinders and shoes was all that was needed.

Thank goodness I can do my own work and if I can't, I have a trust-worthy independant mechanic who can (water-pumper VW's).

[Series9]

Joe, I *could* be interested in the 'rocco. How much and whats it's current status? Running, street legal, etc...

I'm not sure I want the sell the Scirocco to anyone here.

It's a fun car, but it has SUPER stiff suspension due to its very low stance. It doesn't have a speedo. The heat works, but is turned on in the engine bay for the winter and then back off for the summer. It has no AC (never did). It has bump steer in a big way, again due to it being extremely lowered. It has no back seat (the entire rear is used as a cargo area). It needs a number of seals and trim pieces that are very hard to find. The paint is marginal. It needs a glove box.


etc, etc........

[dlo914]

how much would the rocco go for? i normally see roccos at the local Pick A Part, so parts wouldnt be hard to come by.

[McMark]

Did you look on TheSamba?

[bd1308]

Get a bread loaf

[KELTY360]

Get a bread loaf

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) They're great, unless you want heat. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[bd1308]

The gas heater will send you running. That heat is good, I'm getting a base model camper without the gas heater, and i'm sure i'll be adding it VERY soon

[KELTY360]

The gas heater will send you running. That heat is good, I'm getting a base model camper without the gas heater, and i'm sure i'll be adding it VERY soon

Better hurry, winter's coming. In the meantime get some blankets to wrap around your legs. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[dmenche914]

My 86 Vanagon (first year of the 2.1 liter) has 180,000 miles on original motor and tranny. The head leak problem is mainly form use of phosphate anitfreeze, and failure to change it every two years. Check out the Go Westy web site for info on engines, and transmissions, early (pre 90 I think) trannys had a failure mode, but mine has laster 180,000 miles so far.

They are very roomy and handle very good for a van, the weekender van rear seats fool down dead flat to a queen size bed, nice for camping. they also made a 4wd version called the Syncro. The camper versions are also nice, but you loose carrry capacity with all the cabinets (no 4X8 plywood in them, however the weekender version esily fits the plywood.) I cound carry two 13-14 foot kayaks INSIDE the vanagon! neat!!!!

engines (well built ones ) can be pricey. The wasserboxer engines are much better than the aircooled ones, more power, longer life, and quite. pre 86 vanagons came with a 1.9 liter engine, go for the 2.1 if you can, and the 90 up tranny was more better (see Go Wsty on transmission article) again i got 180K miles on my original engine and tranny. good luck

[solex]

I had and 85 and 91. Other then the head gaskets and the need to properly bleed the coolant system, they were great. The seat were unusually comfortable and it handled quite wheel given its size. It is no speed demon, and it is very large inside.

If you need the shop manual I have one. Also it may be difficult to get people to work on them

[warrenporsche]

My mistake, I thought you needed a vehicle reliable enough to put your wife and children in!! if that is not a problem the vanagon should be fine, also I suppose you will NEVER need to tow. in that case get a vanagon and let the repairs start piling up!! In defense I must say we have experinced techs that have been around since the vanagon was new- they just won't stay fixed, and as a dealer it is hard to convince people that - a month later something else is wrong with thier vanagon and they will have to pay to fix it again!! Just my $.02

[dmenche914]

Funny, my vanagon reliably towed a trailer up to Reno from San Jose area frequently and carried the family on many many long road trips, 180K miles and still going. Had no problems. friends love to borrow it to haul big items.

the main reliability issue was the phosphate antifreeze, and lack of changing it, there also have been plenty of cheap rebuild motors made. after all many folks thought when time to rebuild that its just a simple VW and tried themselves, not really knowing what they were doing maybe the replaced teh heads, doing a top end job on a tried motor, made teh compression wrong (not understanding how to set it up right) and they got a time bomb.

This is a key consideration in buying a van that is about 20 years old. If it was not maintained right, or cheaply rebuilt it can be a problem. not mauch different than a 914. A used $2000 vanagon would have simular potential issues as cheap $2000 914. Sure there ar esteal out there, however like any older vehicle, you need to understand the issues, the maintanence history, and make an informed purchase. A good vanagon with a properly rebuilt engine or low milage rwell maintained origianl engine might cost more at purchase, but save in the long run. then again, buy a cheap one,a dn save your money for correct repairs. Like buying a $6000 914 from an original owner that has low miles (or a quality rebuild) and good service records.

Want super relability, with no ris?, then buy a new vehicle with warrenty, or lease one. My fathers 8 year old chevy suburban, purchased 6 years ago (low milage) has been a huge maintanence nightmare, axles (stupid bearing failure destroyed the axle) door hinges needing replacement, coolant sytem failure, electrical issues etc.

do your research before purchase, and really understand the vanagon before purchase. Doing that will minimize the risk. Jump on the first 'steal" vanagon from someone that replaced teh heads himself with cheap parts,a dn can't tell you what compression ratio he set up, probably means trouble on ANY vehicle. The price may or may not refelect that.