Author Topic: Looking to buy VW vanagon (Read 1779 times)

duneflow · « **on:** August 05, 2004, 02:27:20 pm »

I'm in the market for a 1980+ VW pop-top vanagon and am wondering about good years, mechanical concerns, etc. A friend recommends pre-83 (air cooled) for some reason. I owned a 91 Jetta am aware of some common early 90s VW probs.
Any recommendations and West coast leads would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers.

maritime_storm · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2004, 05:35:15 am »

Approach these vehicles which great caution, they're not a Jetta in any way shape or form. You're better spending more money for a Eurovan instead, they're far more reliable. The Vanagon was based off the original Type1 Beetle, you're friend is right if you have to buy one of these, the air-cooled models we're slightly more reliable, but non of these models were particularly reliable. The Eurovan was somewhat based on the designs of the Jetta/Golf/Passat, were underpowered but the far more reliable, look for the diesels for the best bang for the buck.

84im · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2004, 01:05:42 am »

I've been into VWs (aircooled) for many years. I recommend you stay away from an air cooled bus/van. Poor heating, lack of power, short engine life, white knuckle driving while driving the feeway on a windy day....the list goes on. If you want a VW camper go with a later model with water cooling. Unfortunately, the motor in these water coolers don't last long either. Many owners convert over to a VW diesel TDI or a flat four Subaru motor. It's a fairly straightforward conversion for a watercooled VW van. Be careful, as these vehicles can be money pits.
Ron

johngenx · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2004, 01:26:47 am »

For some weird reason, the early '80's Westies are popular "RV's" with Mercedes owners, so I know lots of people with them.

They LOVE them! Even the air-cooled versions. Now, keep in mind that 99% of people use them only in the summer, and not as daily drivers.

If you're not mechanically inclined, forget it. But, for those of us that work on our own cars, the 80's Westies can be a real hoot to own. I am actually considering one right now, and can pick up a decent mid '80's in good shape for under $5K.

If you have to pay a mechanic to do the work, forget it. If not, start looking...

eddy4 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2004, 04:30:54 pm »

I had an 1980 Vanagon 2.0L air cooled automatic with the extra large sliding sunroof. It was a great vehicle to drive if you can forgive its shortcomings, such as no heat (unless you are going over 80kph), really poor acceleration, which teaches you to anticipate every move on the hiway, and It was very prone to unintended lane change in cross winds. But when I was younger I didn't care, I drove that thing to Daytona Bike week with my buddies and had a blast. I am not sure it would be anything but a hobby vehicle now , very difficult to have as a daily driver.
Regards Ed

barrie1 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2004, 01:32:45 am »

There's one For Sale in North Bay Ont. Its a 1979 with the Fuel Injection and automatic which is in this weeks edition of Old Auto's Newspaper. Suppose to be from BC and has all the options including the Bunk. They are asking $10.000 for it. Not many of them in my area.

johngenx · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2004, 01:43:24 am »

They are asking $10.000 for it.

Youch!

barrie1 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2004, 01:57:26 am »

Suppose to be a rebuilt engine in this one as well with only a total of 59000 klms on the whole unit. Black and white picture only published but looks OK. If anybody is interested I will post the ph no. to call.