TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:12 pm

Hi,
I am looking at a 83-84? Diesel vanagon. The Motor and Trans are good.

Question: I've heard that the diesel has top speed of 50 mph. Is this true? Is it tolerable? are the gas engines much faster? I have heard the straight 4 engine is reliable with good mileage. True?

Price? asking $3-4,000 I want to rebuild all needed mechanicals, replace brakes, tires, shocks, etc. All camping utilities work and needs new canvis top and seals. Hoping to both spend under $10,000 and have it ready for a 10,000 mile trip to mexico.

Am I nuts?

Chris

Fri Feb 25, 2005 5:08 pm

they go faster than that. If it is a 5 speed the price is good.Buy a bentley and learn the ropes. GOOD LUCK!

Fri Feb 25, 2005 7:27 pm

I own three now. And have owned my original one since 1983. Yup they are slow. But that is relative. Ever driven an old Bay with a 36 hp? Man they were fun way back when!

You want to run 75 down the freeway looking like a Yuppie with no cash in the bank, lots of credit card debts, car payments up the tookus AC blowing and even a DVD to entertain the tots????? Then there are plenty of SUV's and other vans that will suck your money away.

I personally like my diesels. Cruizing along at 65, getting 30mpg's, no smogging each year, laughing all the way to my campsite with the Eagles or the Beach Boys blasting away thru the CD player.

I have one that is retro'd turbo. Yah it has a bit more bottom end. Yeah it will pull a hill better. But, considering how beautiful this country is, how many camp sites way out in the middle of no where. Ever wanted to cruize on out at Pismo Beach, drive down near the water a couple of miles? Unpack your stuff, kick back enjoy the Pacific?

If the van is way too underpowered, there are many retro options from going to the 1.8 L gas to the 2.0 and even the 16V engine out of a GLI/GTI. I've even heard of someone that put a VR6 in one.

The 1.9TDI is the way to go but $$$$$.

As for me, I love my turtles. Each have a personality that is unique. I have several 2.1 and 1.9 waterboxers which feed the need to cruize at 80 all day long....

I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I bought 5 diesel longblocks 1.6's in Arizona the other day from a guy. And numerous head, 1.6's, several 1.5's all in excellent shape. They are packed away on the back of my cab waiting for me to get home for future use in probably the vans. Who knows what tomorrow will bring

:shock: :roll:

Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:32 am

hi
hey i dont drive mine over 60 but thats what i think is best for mine. I just got back from a 3 week tour in mex. My dad goes down every yr for 3 mo. in his 79 bus you will need the up hill speed. IT IS ALL UP HILL. I am not sure my 82 DIESEL would make the hills . but the mpg is nice.

Sun Mar 20, 2005 8:12 am

My daily driver diesel Vanagon, known to the kids as the "THE TURTLE", but what do they know...screw those VR6 Jettas!!!! Had a replacement trannie put in. The original one, was geared lower than the air cooled version that we put in.

The Turtle will run nicely at 65 all day long without the little pusher sounding like its up against the pump....

Yeah, they are slightly underpowered. But, my first VW van was a 57 panel with a 36hp. We used to take it from Monterey to Los Angeles all the time. You just gear down, take your time, enjoy the sights....then fly down the next hill

Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:52 am

hey hows it going
i would try to talk them down abit also if it needs a new top the last person to own it did not like it . if they did the top would still be fine . what else is wrong with it you should think its a vw. there great

Wed Mar 23, 2005 6:13 am

I've had a diesel westy for about 8 months. I love it. I flew out to LA in August to pick it up sight-unseen and drove it up to SF then right to Maryland via rt. 80 and IL. I have since driven out and back to IL again all with no troubles. Mine has a NA 1.6L and 4 speed manual. I drive it at 58mph and get aprx. 29mpg. It can go 65 but theres no need. Once on the entire trip home I got it up to 72 going down hill with a tail wind. But speed is not the idea here. There is a yahoo group http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Diesel-Vanagon/ for diesel vanagons really good people and archives on it. Subscribe and ask your questions on the mailing list you will get some thoughtful answers and learn more than you ever wanted to know about DVs.
3-4K is about what they are going for. To me, rust is the biggest factor in the worth of the vehicle, then the motor and trans. These motors seem to need a rebuild about every 120-180k depending on how they are driven and maintained. Head replacement is also familiar to some. My transmission has over 230k and it is going strong. A five speed would be a godsend. That gets you a cruising speed of 62-65 and keeps you out of 3rd on steep interstates. You should be able to get set up for $10k but don't forget these things are 20+ years old. You could spend all your money replacing everything when the van as is might very well get you through your whole trip for half the cost. It is a gamble depending on your assesment of the vehicle's condition and your willingness to deal with a breakdown away from home. Good luck, I hope you get one you like.