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Sun Oct 06, 2013 12:45 pm

Planning my first purchase and have had an interesting option arise.

1993 Eurovan CV - Westfalia Camper Canadian edition - Standard - 315K KM or 195K Miles

My question is, if it were in good shape what would be fair price? Also if this engine were properly maintained what is the lifespan left?

Thanks for the help.

Sun Oct 06, 2013 10:14 pm

Welcome to the forum

Take a read at the GoWesty library. Lots of good info on Eurovans.

http://www.gowesty.com/library.php

Mon Oct 07, 2013 9:50 am

IF the engine has been well maintained, it could go to 300k miles, but that is a big IF. It is always hard to know on a used vehicle. Take it to a mechanic and have it inspected if your are serious.

If the van has an automatic transmission, that is your vulnerability. They have a reputation of failing early and are expensive to repair.

Mon Oct 07, 2013 10:13 am

Just reinforcing the very good advice tds3pete has given...

Those engines have a reputation for being very reliable and durable. However, I have 3 on those I5 gas engines in EVs, and two have suffered rod big-end bearing failures. One of those I can probably trace back to an overheating event, the other I am unsure of. I was not driving it at the time but it was fully loaded on the highway, so it too could have been overheating. My point is, that 315K kilometres is a lot, and with an uncertain maintenance history, you won't know of the future reliabilty without a thorough check, especially hot oil pressure and compression.

The transmission failures that tds3pete mentioned is the achilles heel of EVs. But, the ones that make it past the 100,000 mile mark without problems can have a good future if they are well-maintained and not abused. I have two automatics approaching 300,000 km with no problems, except one had a broken rear mount when I got it.

RonC

Mon Oct 07, 2013 2:25 pm

Thanks guys.

This is a standard so tranny will hopefully be OK. They changed the timing every 120K and the clutch at 150K with receipts. This will not be hauling and will in fact be travelling very light.

With the local ones (Alberta) with low KM's now going for over 20K, this seems like an affordable option that I can rebuild for less.

Just wondering to I break the bank ahead of time and face the same uncertainty or go older and retrofit with me at the helm?