WANNABE A NEWBY: Need some EVC education, buying advice

[alexan3650]

My wife and I are looking to jump into the EVC world. We have looked at a few, and have already figured we would like a 1997 or later due to the V6. Friends of ours have a 2001 and said we should really think about a 2001 or later because of improvements VW made in the later models. Is it worth possibly paying more for a later model?

One of my questions is why are there so many more 1997 models avaliable for sale than later years? Is that good or bad, or just what it is?

We're trying to figure if we should buy a little older EVC that has already had maybe a new transmission, new brakes, new tires, and probably more miles. OR, spend more for having lower miles, newer year, and maybe not a new transmission, brakes, etc.

We figure we're going to want to budget $2-$3k per year for maintenance. Is that realistic? We know there'll be cost involved based on what many have said.

Any and all comments are welcome. Any buying tips would be appreciated. We're hoping to buy within the next 60 days AND CAN'T WAIT TO BE PART OF THE EVC WORLD. Being that we're in Bellingham, WA we'll probably need to travel a ways to get the right rig.

[sdunn35]

[Scottn59c]

Hi alexan3650, and welcome to the forum. You'll find that there are a lot of helpful and wonderful, knowledgable folks here. I'm glad to throw my voice into the mix.

When it comes to the campers, I have heard that the Winnebagos are inferior to the non-winnebago counterparts. I've heard this has to do with how many conversions in the US used cheap and inferior parts. That said, in my opinion, what history of maintenance you can vouch for is most important.

I'm sure you know this already, but if you are looking to buy a EV with an automatic transmission, then it is in your best interest to hold out for one that has already been replaced or rebuilt. Not all on the forum will agree 100% with me on this, but this particular vehicle suffers from transmissions that inevitably fail and cost 6-7k to replace. It's the biggest fear I have for my own. I'm at 125k now and am always monitoring that transmission (it's the original on mine).

My Eurovan MV had low miles when I bought it, but it had a lot of deferred maintenance, and now I'm paying for the catch-up. If reliability is your primary concern, go for one where meticulous maintenance can be vouched for rather than simply low miles. Don't buy a rust bucket and spend the necessary money to have it checked out by a reliable mechanic. Don't be put off if you have to balk from a few before you find what you want.

EVs are expensive to maintain. I have kept a yearly record of what it cost to maintain mine. From when it was new in 2002 up to 2017, it has cost an average of $1,374/yr to maintain (compared to an average of $350/yr for my Toyota Prius). Of course, some years it cost a great deal more than others. The first year, it cost the price of an oil change. In 2011, at 100k, when it had to have the timing chain replaced and the camshaft and adjustment valves replaced, it cost over 6k.

Nevertheless, there is no vehicle like it in the US. There are great joys involved when everything runs right. It's not necessarily a rational buy or a reliable vehicle, per say, but it is one of a kind. If nothing else will do, get yourself one and join our circle. Everyone here does his best to help everyone else. Sooner or later it will be your turn to put a chit into the karmic jar.
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Farfignewton!

[jakefromstatefarm]

Welcome aboard!

This is a great resource stating the difference between the 1997-2000 and 2001-2003 model years.

http://www.gowesty.com/tech-article-details.php?id=3

[alexan3650]

[alexan3650]

[alexan3650]

[Joshwa]

Luckily, being in the pnw, there are always EVCs for sale around. If you do or don't have one by the time this event comes around, you should stop by and talk to s couple owners. I believe I saw a few last year. Right in Bellingham also.

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93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[Abscate]

Budget a $500 professional evaluation for your prospect. Don't sweat the AT, there is sample bias here. The VR6 is a beautiful powerful engine.
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.ssS!

[jjvincent]

[alexan3650]

[gakali]

Having the right mechanic/shop is just as important as finding the right van. One that welcomes oldish VW's AND has experience with this sort of vehicle and their personality. He'll be your best buddy in time of need.

Find that guy or shop first because that's the guy you want doing your pre-purchase inspection - ideally. Any shop can vouch for the average late model Toyota but a Eurovan isn't your average vehicle (for most people anyway).

Of course I have a bias but I like the 12 valve VR6 vans with their old school dashes. Still ample power but less to go wrong IMO.

Good luck and take your time.
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Why do it? Because you can.

1999 Eurovan
2003 A4 Avant 1.8T Quattro
1992 W201 190e 2.3 Mercedes
2006 W220 S600 V12 Twin Turbo 5.5 Mercedes

[alexan3650]

[Scottn59c]

[dixoncj]

[DKR]

I now have a 97 EVC. Long ago, I ran a 1971 Campmobile.

The EVC is different, its longer, it requires a suspension adjustment from time to time owing to the poor weight distribution. Parts are not going to be cheap.

I was lucky enough to find a EVC here in Anchorage complete and nearly rust free and began the adventure.

Have it checked by a good mechanic. Have the transmission oil examined at that time as well.

Tires? 15 or 16 inch and ensure they have the proper rating. These tires are not cheap, nor are rims - make sure your spare is not only good but has a good rim.

Check the house battery and check the voltage @ the house battery while running. Check again on shore power to confirm DC converter is good I just put in a new battery, not that expensive and I know what I have.

See if the van comes with the center bench seat.

Confirm the fridge works! Expensive (maybe) to fix or replace, so should be part of final price.
Ditto for heater, stove, water pump and all interior lights. No big by itself, but you should understand what you are getting into.
The heater controls can be wonky - ensure they all work properly, getting these fixed can be all but impossible due to parts. I don't use the A/C, but if that goes out $$$ - check again.

Closely check tent canvas for rot, holes, or gaps. Check roof lockdown system! . Go over roof and check for cracks, leaks around vent. Use a bright flashlight.

Check with your insurance agent on yearly cost. Be seated as you do this.

Once you have made your purchase, have the engine oil and transmission oil changed. yes, $500 or so right there - but then you have a baseline you know.

When you do make a purchase, prepare to have some fun.....

[markcm2]

Being from Bellingham as well, EV's for sale do come and go at times although I bought both of mine out of town. One from Chico and the other in Montana. Both were sight un seen so I based in on communication with the sellers. We flew and and drove them home, knowing there was some risk and may have to end up having them repaired or trailered. Both made it home and we had amazing trips.

I started with a 93 5spd and now have an 01. The 93 had better storage in the dash and cost less but the only real reason I could think of not going for an 01-03 would be fear of the potential costs. A few reasons for this: MUCH more engine power, MUCH better braking power, quieter, little updates throughout the vehicle which add up to comfort. In the end, these are both great rigs.

If you get an auto, I'd recommend a fluid and filter change with an external cooler right out of the gates.

[Abscate]

$500 for two oil changes? That's sheAring the sheep and eating the lamb chop...
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.ssS!

[DKR]

[alexan3650]

Thanks for everyone's feedback and recommendations! We bought a 2003 Eurovan today! Took a while to find the right one, at a fair price, and close to us. Now let the adventures begin!