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ronL 
Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2017
Posts: 32
Location: Walpole, MA
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 Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2024 11:51 am Post subject: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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Longtime low mileage Westy owner here (1991-4 speed) and the 4 speed is my problem, the wife can't drive it. Even if she could I'm not sure I'd want to ride with her, lol.
Since we just both retired I am looking for a decent rust free 2000-2003 EuroVan Camper with around 120,000 miles, one that has been either garaged or kept under cover and not used much in Winter.
I can pay cash and would like to stay in the $30k range. If you are looking to sell with no hassles get back to me and let's talk. Help me get my retirement started on the road!
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1991 Vanagon Westfalia |
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Johnnyw
Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2017
Posts: 74
Location: San Clemente, CA
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| Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 10:08 am Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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Hello,
I can get you close to what you are looking to purchase.
1997 Eurovan camper with 99,900 miles. I purchased the camper this spring to test to see if I liked weekend camping. As it turns out I love it even at 79.
I have made over 50 trips to our local beaches here in So.CA. Mostly days trips but about 15 over night trips.
Everything works as it should even the fridge.
What sold me on this camper was it is rust free and in 2023 it had a transmission rebuild at the cost of $8000. When I purchased the camper I bought new tires.
Considering to sell only to purchase something with a little larger sleeping area. My wife and I are a little too old to climb up top.
Price is $28,000, firm.
John
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1997 Eurovan camper
1974 Thing with a 1776
San Clemente, CA |
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ronL
Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2017
Posts: 32
Location: Walpole, MA
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| Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 6:16 pm Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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JohnyW thanks for the reply. I really am looking for a 2000 or above mainly for the 24 valve V-6. Your van sounds pretty sweet tho, you shouldn’t have any problem selling it.
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1991 Vanagon Westfalia |
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HeyCrutch
Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2022
Posts: 272
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
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| Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 6:34 pm Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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| ronL wrote: |
| JohnyW thanks for the reply. I really am looking for a 2000 or above mainly for the 24 valve V-6. Your van sounds pretty sweet tho, you shouldn’t have any problem selling it. |
As an owner of two Eurovan Campers, one with the 12 valve VR6 and one with the 24 valve VR6, , I would say that the 24v engine hasn't impressed me as much as I had expected. What I mean is that it isn't really that much of an upgrade in terms of powertrain as I was expecting. The AXK engine (24v) does have more horsepower, but the torque on both vehicle is almost the same. Yes, I have gone "all in" on the 24 valve engine, since I own both a camper and weekender that are both powered by that newer engine, but that's mainly so that I can learn and work on a single platform (hence the parts van as well.). When I drive the 1997 EVC on the highway I don't pass 3000 rpms until I get to around 70 mph. In both my 2002 EVC and 2003 MVW vehicles with the 24v engine, they pass 3000 rpms as early as 60 mph. It was surprising to me to observe this.
The 1997 EVC has performed admirably for me. There really are some things that I prefer about it. It doesn't have an Immobilizer System, which can be a point of failure that will completely prevent the van from starting. The front cabin seats that swivel, in the 97 they do not kill the ignition if turned around. The LP tank is larger than the 2003. The interior Winnebago panel color is less subject to fading. The seats are partially upholstered with leather/leatherette. The engine bay is not nearly as packed, which makes working on it a bit easier.
And I believe I've read that the 24 v VR6 model have greater likelihood of having timing chain issues as compared to the 12 v.
Those are just a few things I can think of off hand. Again, this is coming from someone who plans to sell their 1997, but that's mainly for the reasons I stated above -- to have 2 vans that are both run by the same powertrain.
On the flip side, the 1997 van won't have keyless entry or fog lights (unless you jump through hoops to add them like I did), and is less likely to have working cruise control.
Don't discount the 1997. It it has been outfitted with larger 16" wheels and tires, an external transmission cooler, and doesn't have too many miles, it can be quite a capable vehicle.
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-2002 EV Camper- Arctic White - 24vVR6 - Ghost 2.0
-2003 EV MV Weekender- Dragon Emerald Pearl- 24vVR6 - Forest
-2003 EV GLS- Reflex Silver- 24vVR6 - (Parts Only)
-1997 EV Camper- Arctic White- 12vVR6 - Ghost (For Sale soon)
Last edited by HeyCrutch on Mon Dec 09, 2024 8:15 am; edited 2 times in total |
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speedygeorge
Samba Member
Joined: November 28, 2009
Posts: 274
Location: Victoria, BC
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| Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 12:24 am Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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| ronL wrote: |
Longtime low mileage Westy owner here (1991-4 speed) and the 4 speed is my problem, the wife can't drive it. Even if she could I'm not sure I'd want to ride with her, lol.
Since we just both retired I am looking for a decent rust free 2000-2003 EuroVan Camper with around 120,000 miles, one that has been either garaged or kept under cover and not used much in Winter.
I can pay cash and would like to stay in the $30k range. If you are looking to sell with no hassles get back to me and let's talk. Help me get my retirement started on the road! |
I would strongly advise against buying a EVC, I have owned both a 91 Westy (10 years) and a low mileage 02 EVC (2 years). You will find the EVC Winnebago conversion rather depressing after comparing it to the Westfalia conversion. From the roof prone to cracking and leaking to the floor made of mdf plywood that rots and the transmission prone to imploding and the fit and finish of everything in between that Winnebago had their hands on. Important point also is the lower bed is much narrower than your 91 Westy and can't fit 2 people comfortably sleeping.
On the positive side the VW van itself has lots of power. Check out the gowesty comparison of the 2 vehicles.
I bought a low mileage 02 EVC on the westcoast just before covid, drove it for 2 summers and unloaded it for a bundle at the height of covid and never looked back. There is nothing like a late model T3 for coolness and useability as well parts are much easier to come by and cheaper.
If you still want to buy a EVC check out "bring a trailer" for current price examples. There is a flood of Eurovan lsited on FB Marketplace and prices have collapsed, pick one up on the westcoast and make sure the transmission and timing chain is in good shape and comes with a full carfax. Good luck. |
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rizzag
Now Wut?
Joined: April 19, 2001
Posts: 3122
Location: Keizer, OR
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| Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 11:16 am Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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| ronL wrote: |
| JohnyW thanks for the reply. I really am looking for a 2000 or above mainly for the 24 valve V-6. Your van sounds pretty sweet tho, you shouldn’t have any problem selling it. |
Then you are looking for a 2001-2003 because a 2000 is still a 12V VR6.
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flossin, tossin, dippin, and trippin |
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HeyCrutch
Samba Member
Joined: August 12, 2022
Posts: 272
Location: Asheville, North Carolina
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| Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 4:00 pm Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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| rizzag wrote: |
| ronL wrote: |
| JohnyW thanks for the reply. I really am looking for a 2000 or above mainly for the 24 valve V-6. Your van sounds pretty sweet tho, you shouldn’t have any problem selling it. |
Then you are looking for a 2001-2003 because a 2000 is still a 12V VR6. |
Rizag is correct. I can imagine that a casual observer of vans online might get confused since the 2000 Winnebago Camper (the last with the 12v VR6) was the first with the final version of the U.S. camper interior that the 2001-2003 vans also had (lighter shade panel coloring, "Orbit" upholstery, different steering wheel, blue/red dash lighting, different dash layout, etc) .
Good reminder that interiors are not a proxy for engine/transmission groups.
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-2002 EV Camper- Arctic White - 24vVR6 - Ghost 2.0
-2003 EV MV Weekender- Dragon Emerald Pearl- 24vVR6 - Forest
-2003 EV GLS- Reflex Silver- 24vVR6 - (Parts Only)
-1997 EV Camper- Arctic White- 12vVR6 - Ghost (For Sale soon) |
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ronL
Samba Member
Joined: July 11, 2017
Posts: 32
Location: Walpole, MA
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| Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 12:55 pm Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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Thanks guys for the comments. They say you learn something every day or at least you should. I appreciate your giving me some things to think about in terms of replacing my 91 Westy with a EuroVan.Thanks rizzag for pointing out that the 24 valve engine came in 2001, and also that one needs to check for the serial numbers and that it does not have plug wires.
Got some stuff to think about now and wether I can survive teaching the wife to drive a 4 speed if we decide to keep the Vanagon. Main question now is; should I replace the clutch before or after I give her driving lessons?
.
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1991 Vanagon Westfalia |
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kourt
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2013
Posts: 2143
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 3:14 pm Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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Speedygeorge has a valuable opinion regarding the EVC based on previous Vanagon ownership.
I too owned a 91 Vanagon Westfalia full camper for ten years, then sold it and bought a 2001 EVC.
If you have experienced the ergonomic joy and feeling of camping in a Vanagon Westfalia, the EVC may seem to come up short.
However, in my experience, the EVC has been a good van. Yes, it is about 10% smaller on the inside. You notice it when you try to walk between the two front seats to the rear stateroom--it is just slightly narrower.
In the EVC the lower bunk is only slightly narrower than a Vanagon Westfalia, and I have slept two 200 pound hiker friends down there before with no complaints (granted, it was freezing rain outside, so they were happy to not be in a tent).
The camper ergonomics are not as good as a Westfalia, and the overall build quality is lower due to it being a Winnebago product.
However, the fundamental EVC driving experience is wonderful, and the EVC really makes up for its deficits with its excellent roadhandling. Driving a Vanagon Westfalia requires strategy and constant attention, and can be a great chore. The EVC is just a simple joy to drive and I would not trade that back.
My EVC was in pretty good shape and I modified it heavily to bring it closer to what my Vanagon was like. Read about that here.
In summary, if you are comfortable with change and willing to compromise on some ergonomics, the EVC can be a great van and I recommend them.
kourt
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OB Bus
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2003
Posts: 2623
Location: Ocean Beach - San Diego
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| Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 4:26 pm Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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| kourt wrote: |
Speedygeorge has a valuable opinion regarding the EVC based on previous Vanagon ownership.
I too owned a 91 Vanagon Westfalia full camper for ten years, then sold it and bought a 2001 EVC.
If you have experienced the ergonomic joy and feeling of camping in a Vanagon Westfalia, the EVC may seem to come up short.
However, in my experience, the EVC has been a good van. Yes, it is about 10% smaller on the inside. You notice it when you try to walk between the two front seats to the rear stateroom--it is just slightly narrower.
etc..................
kourt
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I second everything Kourt said here. We did not have Vanagon experience but all the comments he made I agree with.
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Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.
People deserve the Government they voted for. |
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mikemtnbike
Samba Member
Joined: March 26, 2015
Posts: 2869
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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Do you and/or your wife have a close friend you’d trust to teach driving a manual?
Not having a partnership involved in that may be the way cheaper than both a new van or counseling. 
Jokes aside, it’s usually easier to accept education absent of emotions.
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1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled  https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual |
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speedygeorge
Samba Member
Joined: November 28, 2009
Posts: 274
Location: Victoria, BC
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| Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 6:50 pm Post subject: Re: Looking To Purchase Late Model EuroVan |
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As I stated the VW van itself is good apart from the transmission prone to major failure and large expense of timimg chain and then there are parts that can be hard to come by and finding a shop who will work on it.
I see you live in Maine, I have heard the the plastic roof can crack in colder climates with freeze and thaw cycles and then there is the rotting floor to deal with.
I will say though that the furnace is excellent and power is very good, but I always felt that part of the charm is that the vanagon goes slower and thats not a bad thing in this busy time we live in.
If you still intend to buy one you will have a huge selection and should be able to get a lower mileage west coast van for under 20K if you bargin hard.
Here's one that sold for just under $22,000 with only 67K miles for example.
Good luck |
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