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Thu Dec 04, 2003 12:19 am

hello im looking at buying a 1982 diesel vanagon does anyone know how much one of these is worth in canadian dollars?also how reliable are they and do they have any major mechanical problems?ive looked at a couple sites on the internet but i cant really find too much info about the diesel ones. are they rarer and harder to fix?also about how much gas milage do they get ive heard anywer from 17mpg to 30mpg. are they easy to service and maintain or are they a pain. ill be using it as a work vehicle so a little rust and body damage doestn hurt but i need it to be reliable (if a little slow who cares i get paid for travel time 8) ) any info and help would be greatly appreciated thank you

Thu Dec 04, 2003 12:29 am

Where in Canada? I've seen more vanagons for sale in BC and area than elsewhere. Like all vehicles the price will range from 1000 to 4000... depending on shape. I'm told they are easier to work on (I've not worked on one) and get around 30 mpg.

Thu Dec 04, 2003 2:50 am

i live in bc and i have only found one for sale so far for 6000 including tax and its got a new clutch starter paint job and has absolutly no rust what do u think i could talk the guy down to? its on a used lot

Thu Dec 04, 2003 10:11 am

Well, i'm not sure of how much it's worth but as a diesel AND vanagon owner, i'd say that it'd be pretty easy to work on. My diesel jetta is a piece of cake engine-wise and the van is pretty easy to work on as well. And since they're both reliable as separate entities it would probably make sense that they are reliable as a unit too. Good luck with your purchase; you'll enjoy it for sure if you get it.

Thu Dec 04, 2003 10:19 am

Here's something to think about.....the diesel vanagons are very good candiates for engine conversions to subaru legacy motors or later Golf motors, for example. Since they have all the plumbing for the radiator system, they are considered better candiates than gas powered 82 vans.

Thu Dec 04, 2003 12:15 pm

squirrel wrote: i live in bc and i have only found one for sale so far for 6000 including tax and its got a new clutch starter paint job and has absolutly no rust what do u think i could talk the guy down to? its on a used lot
A new paint job can hide rust (for a while) If it's been on the lot for more than a month I'm sure you can get some flexibility.... there was a diesel westy for sale in Edmonton this summer for 6000... so regular vanagon... I'd have to say no more than 4000. Unless you really really want a deisel,
See if he'll give you any warranty on those new parts... or at least tell you where the work was done.

Quote: *** MUST SELL***
85 VOLKSWAGEN Vanagon Weekender, 4 spd, sunroof, 7 pass, mint shape $2950. (Victoria) Tel: 250-598-2379
try some local searches as well
http://www.canadatrader.com/
http://www.buysell.com/
good luck!

Sat Dec 06, 2003 9:16 am

keep in mind that diesel vanagons are slow as hell but get kick ass gas milage. i almost wonder if it's illegal how slow at accelleration.

Sat Dec 06, 2003 11:17 pm

ya i took it for a test drive today i honestly think i could push it faster but you know what i get paid for travel time so bonus* hehe :twisted: it was awesome to test drive and so much better than my 92 nissan pickup the only problem was the gears wer so freakin far apart and loose i expected a little bit of movement in a 22 year old vehichle but im not a mechanic so i know nothing are your vans the same way or might i be looking at a new transmission soon?also does anyone know how hard it is to lift one of these bad boys and how much it would cost if im gonna go slow im goanna go slow with a good view :shock:

Sun Dec 07, 2003 3:14 pm

I only know of one... http://www.fastforward.ca/SyncroSuspension/default.htm
Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel - Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3

I've never delt with him, try a google search for vanagon lift kit...