TheSamba.com :: View topic - Wanted: guestimate of value for '87 weekender

Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:14 pm

My aunt has an '87 weekender that she wants me to sell for her. Here is a rundown on it:

• recently rebuilt strong running 2.1L engine
• 4 speed trans
• very nice interior, rate it about an 8 on a 1-10 scale
• okay exterior, a couple of small dings, original wine colored paint is oxidized, probably rates a 6
• fully functional electrical system
• pop top in good condition, no rips in fabric
• good tires, brakes, suspension
• very good mechanical condition, ready to be a daily driver

Kelly Blue Book says about $5k. Is this about right?
Thanks!

Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:23 pm

anywhere from $100 to $10,000. some detailed pics would be helpful. otherwise pay attention to the classifieds and find on in comprable condition and go with that. blue book value rarely means anything to people buying old vws, atleast not to me. but $5000 doesnt sound bad if it is decent shape
good luck

Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:24 pm

You didn't mention total miles.
Any rust at the seam's?
If it's rust free, I'd say $5,000 is a very good deal for the buyer.
If I was selling in So Cal, I think I'd try to get at least 7-8000.

Sun Aug 24, 2008 4:36 pm

KBB Sucks for values on Westfalia's. It is an 87 so I would personally go by NADA classic car value, however, info there does not accurately show the weekender as an option........http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5...87&da1

Original MSRP: $19,225
Low Retail Average Retail Value High Retail
TOTAL PRICE $3,925 $5,725 $9,250
When I sold my 1980, the NADA Classic car value was more for the 1980 than it was for the Sweetie 1991 that I purchased to replace it. Go figure.

vanagon.com has some good info on the model differences but prices are not very current as to what you can expect to get for it. Personally, I would start in the 10-11k range...you can always come down, but, you will find lots of folks prefer Weekenders to the full on Westfalia conversion........hope this helps. basically, 87 and up are the most sought after models so, shine her up and get all your reciepts together and pass the story of a well cared for van on to the next loving owner!

Search craigslist up and down the west coast as well as a good guide. Seattle, Portland, So Cal etc......
be sure to get all the reciepts together as well as print out info off Vanagon.com on the specific model. I made up a packet of info for the guy who purchased mine and he really appreaciated it. My 1980 sold for 4k no questions asked. it had 138K........IMHO, 5k would be giving it away, but of course I have not seen your van. :shock:

Sun Aug 24, 2008 5:38 pm

Thanks everybody for the replies so far. Not sure of the miles, though I'm guessing in the 150k-200k range. Only about 5k since the engine rebuild. The van is in SoCal and is rust free.

Mon Aug 25, 2008 5:18 am

VW never made an Weekender in '87. What model are you talking about?

Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:19 am

MrPolak wrote: VW never made an Weekender in '87.

This must be a mirage in my driveway.

Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:45 am

MrPolak wrote: VW never made an Weekender in '87. What model are you talking about?
I've read this statement before, but then there are always a handful of people coming out of the woodwork with '87 MY Weekender-type conversions. I must have been a limited production thing... maybe not part of the regular offering for that year? Does the '87 have the built in "box" jump seat like the '86 and earlier Weekenders, or the removable fold-up jump seats like '88 and up?

Mon Aug 25, 2008 6:48 am

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=313882

Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:08 am

My 87 interior

I don't have the cool Wolfsburg medallions, though.

Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:15 am

So it's got the '86 style jump seat on the left side only. That's how my '73 "Weekender" was, but without the pop top and it originally would have had an icebox behind the passenger seat.

Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:33 am

vincebodie wrote: My aunt has an '87 weekender that she wants me to sell for her. Here is a rundown on it:

• recently rebuilt strong running 2.1L engine
• 4 speed trans
• very nice interior, rate it about an 8 on a 1-10 scale
• okay exterior, a couple of small dings, original wine colored paint is oxidized, probably rates a 6
• fully functional electrical system
• pop top in good condition, no rips in fabric
• good tires, brakes, suspension
• very good mechanical condition, ready to be a daily driver

Kelly Blue Book says about $5k. Is this about right?
Thanks!

IMHO, worth way more than $5000. The only weakness would be the issue with the 4 speed transmissions of that vintage. Seems like the Weekenders (or whatever moniker you choose) have become pretty desireable. The increased passenger seating and storage space is great.

Personally, I wouldn't trade mine even-up on a full Westy, all else being equal.

Check out GoWesty's prices, the classifieds here on thesamba, and interpolate. KBB appears too low.

On the other hand, at $5000 it will sell quickly!

Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:52 am

In my opinion KBB is always substantially low on vehicles this age that are in good mechanical condition. Pricing older vehicles is always tough, but in my opinion that was a $5000 van before the new motor that she likely paid around 5k to get installed. Weekenders are the preferred config for lots of people but they are harder to find. Depending on just how bad the cosmetic stuff is I'd say it could be worth up to 10k or so. Not knowing everything I wouldn't go less than 8 and I wouldn't try more than 10k assuming the motor was well done.

Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:53 am

riceye wrote: My 87 interior

I don't have the cool Wolfsburg medallions, though.

Here you go...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-Volkswagen-Wolfs...enameZWDVW

Mon Aug 25, 2008 11:38 am

Steelhead wrote: riceye wrote: My 87 interior

I don't have the cool Wolfsburg medallions, though.

Here you go...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-Volkswagen-Wolfs...enameZWDVW

Thanks Duncan!

Mon Aug 25, 2008 3:28 pm

I have an '86 Wolfsburg Westy Weekender that is much like yours. I wouldn't sell it for even $10K. I love it too much. It only has 128K on it, and it still runs great. No rust, always garaged, stored in winter, GoWesty has one like it for $35K. No ours hasn't been rebuilt, but the head gaskets, clutch, & exhaust system are all fairly new as is the alternator. It dosn't even leave spots on the driveway. Everywhere we go with it people ask if we want to sell it. The answer is "NO". We bought it new in '86 and have been enjoying it ever since. I'm saving up for new wheels and tires next year, now that the 14" BFG's are not available any more.

Mon Aug 25, 2008 7:15 pm

After perusing some related posts, it appears that the vehicle I'm speaking of is a Westfalia "standard" or "weekender" model (pop top, closet, & z-bed without the sink or stove). So far it looks like asking about $7k will be reasonable. I will try to post some pics here soon before I put it up for sale.

Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:54 am

There is an 86 and an 87 Weekender for sale in Portland right now...

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/811557866.html

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/cto/803588544.html

Tue Aug 26, 2008 12:17 pm

vincebodie wrote: After perusing some related posts, it appears that the vehicle I'm speaking of is a Westfalia "standard" or "weekender" model (pop top, closet, & z-bed without the sink or stove). So far it looks like asking about $7k will be reasonable. I will try to post some pics here soon before I put it up for sale.
Do not short sell yourself. You can always negotiate price down, but never up and the Weekender's are a hot commodity...not my thing, but nonetheless, very popular vehicles that sell quickly! still want to see pics though.....jeffrey

Wed Aug 27, 2008 12:08 am

sounds like somewhere in the 7-8K range is reasonable for SoCal. I would consider it for that, 'cept I got one already. 8)