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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32989
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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JudoJeff
Samba Member
Joined: May 24, 2013
Posts: 1179
Location: Near Springfield, MA
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 Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:18 pm Post subject: |
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I think 12k is a good price, 13.5k tops.
Fuel pump should be a cheap fix. Transmission may cost up to 2k on the high side.
You really have to budget for possible repairs after you own it.
Weekenders have a lot of pluses, you can set up your own kitchen setup.
Just make sure you understand the vehicle and aren't just in love with the "idea" of one. It's like adopting a child....
_________________
________________________________________
1989 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Burned up on 7/31/16.
1987 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig & Rebuilt, sold
1986 Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper, Bostig Sold May 10, 2021
1999 Ford GTRV Westfalia camper (30% bigger Westy layout) |
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WhiteH2O
Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2009
Posts: 129
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:22 pm Post subject: |
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| UkuleleLady wrote: |
WhiteH2O can correct me if I'm wrong, but i think he said that was about 10k and has about 17k total into the van all together. he has a build thread which outlines everything he's done to it... a lot of good work. |
Yeah, I have well over $17k into it, probably close to $20k by now in all reality. The engine swap was right around$10k; the cost depends on the engine and how many miles are on it, and I got the 2.5 liter out of a 2009 Forester with 50k miles. They had others with more miles that were less expensive, and the 2.2 is less also. I have done a bunch of other stuff that isn't listed, but are just normal maintenance things that you have to do to make it a reliable daily driver/road trip vehicle.
I know I won't get what I put into it. The $16k was a starting price only. We had already talked down from there, and I have told her that I will sell it for what it is worth. I will see what Small Car says, and we will see where to go from there.
_________________
1985 Wolfsburg Weekender- 2.5L Subie Power
2002 Subaru WRX Wagon
1998 Subaru Legacy EJ257 Swap, 410 AWHP (sold)  |
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pnwkayaker
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2008
Posts: 980
Location: Sammamish, WA
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:34 pm Post subject: |
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I just wanted to say
"THANKS!" "THANKS!" "THANKS!"
both to WhiteH2O and UkuleleLady for being able to carry a civilized conversation about prices and Vanagon mechanic issues (as a seller and prospective buyer) in a public forum like The Samba (since it's so easy to start a words war in this situation).
_________________
87 Syncro Westy EJ25 ("Tardis")
Seattle Meetup at Marymoor (link)
A collection of Simple Useful Mods (SUM) (link) |
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UkuleleLady
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2014
Posts: 17
Location: United States
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:40 pm Post subject: |
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| JudoJeff wrote: |
I think 12k is a good price, 13.5k tops.
Fuel pump should be a cheap fix. Transmission may cost up to 2k on the high side.
You really have to budget for possible repairs after you own it.
Weekenders have a lot of pluses, you can set up your own kitchen setup.
Just make sure you understand the vehicle and aren't just in love with the "idea" of one. It's like adopting a child.... |
i'm in love with the "idea" of building out my own cargo van... i have a lovely vision of one in my head. but the actual time and money, coupled with my inexperience... probably not going to happen.
I've considered a lot of options that might work for me (ford/chevy cargos, passengers, sprinters, conversion vans, camper vans, mini vans, eurovans, blah, blah, blah)... I thought I might actually be wasting WhiteH2Os time when I was initially going to look, but the gut feeling is pretty good and I really like the setup and advantages. my only cons here have to do with price and maintenance type stuff, which aren't little things necessarily. It has many advantages over the other things I was considering. |
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UkuleleLady
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2014
Posts: 17
Location: United States
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:44 pm Post subject: |
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| pnwkayaker wrote: |
I just wanted to say
"THANKS!" "THANKS!" "THANKS!"
both to WhiteH2O and UkuleleLady for being able to carry a civilized conversation about prices and Vanagon mechanic issues (as a seller and prospective buyer) in a public forum like The Samba (since it's so easy to start a words war in this situation). |
you're welcome. and part of that may have to do with us belonging to the same small wwk community here in the PNW.
and i wonder if i know YOU... and if not i'm sure we all probably have some mutual friends. |
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SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3427
Location: Bozeman MT
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:51 pm Post subject: |
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| UkuleleLady wrote: |
| [and part of that may have to do with us belonging to the same small wwk community here in the PNW. |
Pffft, doubtful. It's most likely because I play ukulele 
- cheapo laminate Mahalo soprano
- Kala cedar topped/koa sopanao
- Martin CK1 concert koa
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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UkuleleLady
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2014
Posts: 17
Location: United States
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:56 pm Post subject: |
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| SCM wrote: |
| UkuleleLady wrote: |
| [and part of that may have to do with us belonging to the same small wwk community here in the PNW. |
Pffft, doubtful. It's most likely because I play ukulele
- cheapo laminate Mahalo soprano
- Kala cedar topped/koa sopanao
- Martin CK1 concert koa |
nice. I have a Kelii mahogany long necked soprano 
Got a guitar a few weeks ago though... i just don't know what to do with those two extra strings. |
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WhiteH2O
Samba Member
Joined: October 06, 2009
Posts: 129
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 4:56 pm Post subject: |
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| pnwkayaker wrote: |
I just wanted to say
"THANKS!" "THANKS!" "THANKS!"
both to WhiteH2O and UkuleleLady for being able to carry a civilized conversation about prices and Vanagon mechanic issues (as a seller and prospective buyer) in a public forum like The Samba (since it's so easy to start a words war in this situation). |
You're welcome, but I also think it is sad that it isn't expected that adults act civilly in situations like this (although I have been on car forums long enough to know it isn't common).
I'll admit, I'm not sure what to think about having everyone on the board criticizing and judging my van, the work I have done to it, and the price I am asking, but if she doesn't end up buying it, it could still be good visibility to another buyer. I do my best to be as honest as possible, and there is no reason to be mad at her for double checking what she is buying. I would like to think that I would treat her or anyone else the same even if we didn't have mutual friends. Also, while I don't play a ukulele, I occasionally pretend like I know how to play a guitar.
_________________
1985 Wolfsburg Weekender- 2.5L Subie Power
2002 Subaru WRX Wagon
1998 Subaru Legacy EJ257 Swap, 410 AWHP (sold) |
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Xtremjeepn
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2012
Posts: 1543
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:23 pm Post subject: |
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| WhiteH2O wrote: |
I'll admit, I'm not sure what to think about having everyone on the board criticizing and judging my van, the work I have done to it, and the price I am asking |
As part of the conversation on Expo, I don't think its so much the question of judging your van as a good Vanagon, but rather judging it against her stated needs!
Many of the people here and on the other discussion really like your van and the mods done to it from an enthusiasts point of view
But when viewed from the non VW Vanagon enthusiast, no-inherent interest, or skill, in wrenching on a van, just want to travel with her dog in HOT climates and paddle point of view, there are much better choices for the money. |
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davevickery
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2005
Posts: 2887
Location: Fort Collins, CO
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:33 pm Post subject: |
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Everyone wants a screamin' deal. That's tough, especially when you are selling a van. When I saw that listing I thought it was one of the better priced subaru vans. A smallcar conversion is professionally done and a late model 2.5 is pretty great. After I read about the paint being kind of messed up, I thought well it may not be a great deal but still seems in the ballpark.
Dealer price for a fuel pump is $300. And maybe $50 to put it in. But a noisy fuel pump doesn't mean much. A lot of them make noise, even some right from the get go. Anyway used ones are plentiful and cost $50.
The exhaust parts would just be ordered from smallcar and bolted in. An hour tops plus whatever they cost, maybe $450
Just because there is a transmission leak and I couldn't tell from the description what you are referring to, that doesn't mean it needs to be rebuilt. Does it operate normally.
Anyway, I am not crazy about that mechanic from what you posted, and can't really believe much of what he is telling you. If he isn't familiar with subaru conversions, how in the world can he tell you what a subaru converted van is worth.
I can't tell what the value of the van is from the info, but I know what a small car 2.5 is worth. So take whatever an 85 weekender in not such awesome shape and add $7500 to it. That most likely get you close to $15K, best guess with the available info. |
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dixoncj
Samba Member
Joined: June 17, 2004
Posts: 1085
Location: Charleston, SC
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:45 pm Post subject: |
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| davevickery wrote: |
Everyone wants a screamin' deal. That's tough, especially when you are selling a van. When I saw that listing I thought it was one of the better priced subaru vans. A smallcar conversion is professionally done and a late model 2.5 is pretty great. After I read about the paint being kind of messed up, I thought well it may not be a great deal but still seems in the ballpark.
Dealer price for a fuel pump is $300. And maybe $50 to put it in. But a noisy fuel pump doesn't mean much. A lot of them make noise, even some right from the get go. Anyway used ones are plentiful and cost $50.
The exhaust parts would just be ordered from smallcar and bolted in. An hour tops plus whatever they cost, maybe $450
Just because there is a transmission leak and I couldn't tell from the description what you are referring to, that doesn't mean it needs to be rebuilt. Does it operate normally.
Anyway, I am not crazy about that mechanic from what you posted, and can't really believe much of what he is telling you. If he isn't familiar with subaru conversions, how in the world can he tell you what a subaru converted van is worth.
I can't tell what the value of the van is from the info, but I know what a small car 2.5 is worth. So take whatever an 85 weekender in not such awesome shape and add $7500 to it. That most likely get you close to $15K, best guess with the available info. |
I personally think the OP would be better off buying a used early 2000's Tacoma pre runner and putting in a popup camper shell. No A/C in the summer backcountry behind the front ranges could be brutal. You need reliability more than anything else.
One of these:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/ctd/4323731426.html
and one of these:
http://www.fourwheelcampers.com/index.php/products/for-full-size-trucks/grandby-8-0-long-bed/
(you can get a popup camper for way less than this used)
And you'll be far better served than buying an old Vanagon even with Subie power. |
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Solrider
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2011
Posts: 199
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:52 pm Post subject: |
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I would just like to speak as a female on this forum, with a dog, who lives in a hot climate. I've also posted over on Expo. Anyway, I am a VW enthusiast, and while this is my 1st van it is my 4th VW and none of them have been maintenance free, so I knew what I was getting into. I do not consider myself a mechanic, however I am willing to learn and there are certain things I am willing/interested in doing the research on and attempting myself. Some of the more complicated I leave to the professionals.
My point is this. If you are willing to turn a wrench now and then, it really does bring you closer to the van. You will start to know the ins and outs of how things work, which will make it easier to do a roadside repair if needed. You also have us, the people of The Samba, who are always here willing to help you and answer questions. I see several posts every week of people out on the road trying to figure out a problem, and a ton of people chiming in trying to help. Its a great community, both virtually and in person….and thats something that comes with the VW that you will probably not get if you drive an Astro Van or a Ford.
Take a look at the sticky at the top of this webpage "Helpful Links". Here you will find links to parts vendors, repair shops and the road rescue list. All fantastic resources.
As far as the kayaks, you could always throw a couple on top and get a hitch trailer for 2 or 3 more. Or you could have someone fab you a hitch mounted rack the carry them vertical…would probably kill your gas mileage, but possible.
I'm not saying this is the van for you. But I am saying don't be afraid to jump in to the VW mix. You might not be an enthusiast now, but perhaps you will become one. My only caveat for you is, if you plan on running a business with a Vanagon, keep in mind the potential downtime that may occur from repairs.
_________________
Heidi - KF7CKI
85 Vanagon GL 1.6NA - Otto Von Wunderwagen
--------------------------
Gone but not forgotten:
71 Super Beetle - Gretel
92 Jetta GL - Jerry
97 Passat TDI - Penny |
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Xtremjeepn
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2012
Posts: 1543
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:55 pm Post subject: |
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Totally agree on this direction in general. On the other thread she seemed interesting in vans for their stealthy ability, etc. A van does offer more room inside vs a pickup with a camper. So many of the suggestions were other OBD2 or newer vans/camper vans that should be more reliable and easier to take to "any" mechanic anywhere to get fixed. Domestic conversion vans, Sprinters, etc. Basically trying to keep her new enough, and "factory enough" for easy service.
Edit: I'm not trying to speak for the OP, just trying to fill in some of the gaps and info I've taken from the other 40 page thread. 
Last edited by Xtremjeepn on Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:00 pm; edited 2 times in total |
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j_dirge
Samba Member
Joined: August 08, 2007
Posts: 4641
Location: Twain Harte, CA
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:57 pm Post subject: |
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| davevickery wrote: |
Dealer price for a fuel pump is $300. And maybe $50 to put it in. But a noisy fuel pump doesn't mean much. A lot of them make noise, even some right from the get go. Anyway used ones are plentiful and cost $50.
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Van Café sells the Bosch pump for $150. Rockauto or local parts houses are likely going to have it for well under $200.
A noisy fuel pump may just be a symptom of a filter that is in need of replacement... or a bad ground.. or...
I think its a case of a mechanic either not knowing any better.. or trying to give the prospective buyer some leverage to negotiate with.
I'd not be bothered by these maintenance type things.. Its somewhat routine stuff for an old rig.
But the paint job?.. That would kinda bum me out on buying.
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.
-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5
| danfromsyr wrote: |
those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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Xtremjeepn
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2012
Posts: 1543
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 5:58 pm Post subject: |
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| Solrider wrote: |
I would just like to speak as a female on this forum, with a dog, who lives in a hot climate. I've also posted over on Expo. Anyway, I am a VW enthusiast, and while this is my 1st van it is my 4th VW and none of them have been maintenance free, so I knew what I was getting into. I do not consider myself a mechanic, however I am willing to learn and there are certain things I am willing/interested in doing the research on and attempting myself. Some of the more complicated I leave to the professionals.
My point is this. If you are willing to turn a wrench now and then, it really does bring you closer to the van. You will start to know the ins and outs of how things work, which will make it easier to do a roadside repair if needed. You also have us, the people of The Samba, who are always here willing to help you and answer questions. I see several posts every week of people out on the road trying to figure out a problem, and a ton of people chiming in trying to help. Its a great community, both virtually and in person….and thats something that comes with the VW that you will probably not get if you drive an Astro Van or a Ford.
Take a look at the sticky at the top of this webpage "Helpful Links". Here you will find links to parts vendors, repair shops and the road rescue list. All fantastic resources.
As far as the kayaks, you could always throw a couple on top and get a hitch trailer for 2 or 3 more. Or you could have someone fab you a hitch mounted rack the carry them vertical…would probably kill your gas mileage, but possible.
I'm not saying this is the van for you. But I am saying don't be afraid to jump in to the VW mix. You might not be an enthusiast now, but perhaps you will become one. My only caveat for you is, if you plan on running a business with a Vanagon, keep in mind the potential downtime that may occur from repairs. |
Wrenching on a van at home in your spare time is one thing. Buying it SPECIFICALLY to live in for the next year is another.  |
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dixoncj
Samba Member
Joined: June 17, 2004
Posts: 1085
Location: Charleston, SC
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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| Xtremjeepn wrote: |
| Solrider wrote: |
I would just like to speak as a female on this forum, with a dog, who lives in a hot climate. I've also posted over on Expo. Anyway, I am a VW enthusiast, and while this is my 1st van it is my 4th VW and none of them have been maintenance free, so I knew what I was getting into. I do not consider myself a mechanic, however I am willing to learn and there are certain things I am willing/interested in doing the research on and attempting myself. Some of the more complicated I leave to the professionals.
My point is this. If you are willing to turn a wrench now and then, it really does bring you closer to the van. You will start to know the ins and outs of how things work, which will make it easier to do a roadside repair if needed. You also have us, the people of The Samba, who are always here willing to help you and answer questions. I see several posts every week of people out on the road trying to figure out a problem, and a ton of people chiming in trying to help. Its a great community, both virtually and in person….and thats something that comes with the VW that you will probably not get if you drive an Astro Van or a Ford.
Take a look at the sticky at the top of this webpage "Helpful Links". Here you will find links to parts vendors, repair shops and the road rescue list. All fantastic resources.
As far as the kayaks, you could always throw a couple on top and get a hitch trailer for 2 or 3 more. Or you could have someone fab you a hitch mounted rack the carry them vertical…would probably kill your gas mileage, but possible.
I'm not saying this is the van for you. But I am saying don't be afraid to jump in to the VW mix. You might not be an enthusiast now, but perhaps you will become one. My only caveat for you is, if you plan on running a business with a Vanagon, keep in mind the potential downtime that may occur from repairs. |
Wrenching on a van at home in your spare time is one thing. Buying it SPECIFICALLY to live in for the next year is another. :wink: |
THIS |
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UkuleleLady
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2014
Posts: 17
Location: United States
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:07 pm Post subject: |
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Xtremjeepn - some other folks, more than one, thought this was a good rig for me. Also, I'm willing to learn. And I'm not sure where all this hot climate stuff is coming from. i'm talking about warmer climates in the winter and leavenworth in the spring, which does get warm. but i hate wicked hot weather for myself.
davevickery- thanks. this is the kind of stuff i was hoping to get out of this thread.
dixoncj - i've explored the truck/camper combo and i just don't think it's right for me... don't really want to get into that though.
Solrider - Thanks a lot for chiming in! I'm willing to turn a wrench now and then and learn some basics... maybe get to where you are. For kayaks... not concerned in that department. i usually have one or two, and if i'm doing a longer trip with friends, probably not more than 4.. and throwing up several for shuttles has been done by the seller. |
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furrylittleotter
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2008
Posts: 1506
Location: West Seattle
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:09 pm Post subject: |
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I own and drive an 84 Full Westy with a 2.5 Subaru motor, from what I can see and read in the ad and online it looks to be a pretty damn cool van.
The guy is a Subaru owner as well so I look at that as a major plus.
It has some pretty cool upgrades namely a Smallcar installed engine, big brakes and big wheels and tires so if you add that to the base price of a Wolfy weekender I think the price is dead on.
The only negative I see is the seam rust, painted interior panels and crappy paint job, so if it was me I'd want to knock off 12-15% and call it good.
Sure you might be looking at a tranny in your future, but maybe not and the gamble is worth it.
This van really looks like a keeper so I hope you get it and enjoy it.
$14,000-$14500 |
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Solrider
Samba Member
Joined: April 27, 2011
Posts: 199
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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| Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:09 pm Post subject: |
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| Xtremjeepn wrote: |
| Solrider wrote: |
I would just like to speak as a female on this forum, with a dog, who lives in a hot climate. I've also posted over on Expo. Anyway, I am a VW enthusiast, and while this is my 1st van it is my 4th VW and none of them have been maintenance free, so I knew what I was getting into. I do not consider myself a mechanic, however I am willing to learn and there are certain things I am willing/interested in doing the research on and attempting myself. Some of the more complicated I leave to the professionals.
My point is this. If you are willing to turn a wrench now and then, it really does bring you closer to the van. You will start to know the ins and outs of how things work, which will make it easier to do a roadside repair if needed. You also have us, the people of The Samba, who are always here willing to help you and answer questions. I see several posts every week of people out on the road trying to figure out a problem, and a ton of people chiming in trying to help. Its a great community, both virtually and in person….and thats something that comes with the VW that you will probably not get if you drive an Astro Van or a Ford.
Take a look at the sticky at the top of this webpage "Helpful Links". Here you will find links to parts vendors, repair shops and the road rescue list. All fantastic resources.
As far as the kayaks, you could always throw a couple on top and get a hitch trailer for 2 or 3 more. Or you could have someone fab you a hitch mounted rack the carry them vertical…would probably kill your gas mileage, but possible.
I'm not saying this is the van for you. But I am saying don't be afraid to jump in to the VW mix. You might not be an enthusiast now, but perhaps you will become one. My only caveat for you is, if you plan on running a business with a Vanagon, keep in mind the potential downtime that may occur from repairs. |
Wrenching on a van at home in your spare time is one thing. Buying it SPECIFICALLY to live in for the next year is another. |
You know what dude, all I'm going to say is stop assuming. Every post I've made over on Expo in regards to this you have made assumptions…and incorrect ones at that. Now you are doing it here. Its like the only opinion this girl should value should be YOURS. You don't know me, and you don't know her…..neither do I, HOWEVER, she is asking for opinions and that is what I and others are trying to give her! So why don't you stop assuming, stop making sexist remarks, and lock it the hell up.
**Back to the civilized conversation**
_________________
Heidi - KF7CKI
85 Vanagon GL 1.6NA - Otto Von Wunderwagen
--------------------------
Gone but not forgotten:
71 Super Beetle - Gretel
92 Jetta GL - Jerry
97 Passat TDI - Penny |
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