Good deals on Nice Vans

[lithium1330]

[RiddleMeThree]

Last for today is a '90 Westy on Autotrader for $19,000:
https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1990/volkswagen/vanagon/102448415

I viewed most listings on Autotrader with skepticism, but this one is listed by an individual and not a dealership.

Subaru EJ22 swap? Recaro leather seats? South African front lights/grill? Vintage Air air conditioning? Replacement tent? TF49 refrigerator? Propex heater? This has it all and more.

I talked to the owner, and he genuinely seems like he just wants to see this go to someone who will use and enjoy it.

[RiddleMeThree]

Next up is the most unusual van I saw, a '90 Country Homes Campers conversion:
https://www.autostars.us/Inventory/Details/bbe96047-fa08-482a-8a84-3e0ceddbcdc4

More photos at https://share.icloud.com/photos/02foNGqmfea8ax87ObvmR0Dzg

- The dealer fixed it up after buying it at auction for $4,900 after it was in an accident in April (rear passenger corner) and declared a total loss: https://usa-auto-online.com/en/auction/54931805-VOLKSWAGEN-MINIVAN-1990-CREAM-VIN_WV2YB0254LG094676
- I did a pre purchase inspection on this one, and know it needs replacement steering rack and pinion, CV joints, oil leaks diagnosed, and a few smaller issues.
- The tent definitely needs to be replaced, and they are available for $650 from CHC.
- Rust-free according to the PPI.
- Carfax indicates it has been in Washington its entire life.
- I have already discussed price with them. They will go down to $8,000, but no lower.

[RiddleMeThree]

Since I am wrapping up my purchase, I am going to mention some of my backup choices here over the next few days.

I think each of these is objectively better than the van I bought in one or more ways. They were just not the best fit for me.

First up is this '83 Westy 2.2L Subaru swap:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2760426

Between the engine swap and other mechanical upgrades, newer front seats, paint job, South African grill and headlights, and other upgrades listed, this van was very tempting when I first saw it listed at $17,500. The owner just dropped the price to $13,000 yesterday, which made this very hard to pass up.

David Smale listed the ad, but the included phone number is for the owner, Gloria.

[dobryan]

[RiddleMeThree]

Maybe this is more appropriate for the 'Official lazy person's stupid question thread,' but is there usually seasonal fluctuations in price?

First-time buyer here. I have been looking since May, and noticed the past few weeks I have started to see sellers following up, checking in, etc. with me instead of the other way around.

Just curious if it is consistently a buyer's market over the winter months. Either way, it looks like I'll have at least a couple good deals to share here...after I lock down my top choice

[Kdj]

Had to go to Seattle for work. Actually saw two vanagon’s just cruising on the highway! Of course had to hit marketplace see what local market has.
This might be a good for someone looking for a project!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1FsHodCAbb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[RiddleMeThree]

Thanks all!

[Kdj]

Looks like a nice starting point. Probably over priced, but I like the idea that it looks like its been boxed in a garage for a while!

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/12801966..._type=post

[campism]

[dobryan]

[RiddleMeThree]

First-time buyer here, trying to compensate for limited local availability in SW Ohio by searching far and wide. Are there any sites I am missing?

TheSamba Classifieds (of course)
FB Marketplace
Craigslist
Used car dealer aggregator sites like autotrader, cars.com
eBay

I am on the lookout for a 1985-1990 Westy, either full camper or weekender FWIW

[Gnarlodious]

Looking for a nice aircooled? For sale in Santa Fe:

includes an ARB awning never installed, and a new Westy top. Guy says it runs really good. Some rust behind the kitchen, he says. No body rust, it's a New Mexico van.
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[Salinity]

Decent deal here on Cape Cod. Honestly, if I didn't just buy an Alltrack today I would be making some serious inquiries. Cool to see some presumably decent sub $7000 Westys around.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/70206377...=top_picks
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85 1.9L GL Tintop

[dhaavers]

Flood victim? That random rust coming through the floor panels is wild…

- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[syncrodoka]

The sloppy undercoating spray is probably hiding more of the ugly.
The seat belt end is rusting along with the under seat hardware and steering column hardware is severely rusty. That is hard to do and I live by the ocean
I would NOT call that a nice van, I feel bad for the unsuspecting buyer that gets it.

[4Gears4Tires]

Undercarriage looks fine, other parts of the chassis have major cancer. Looks like it was bought and forgot in someones seaside Florida home.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[tdivan82]

When I first found this listing, the low mileage had me thinking it was a really nice van, a time capsule sort of find.

https://www.classicautomall.com/vehicles/7654/1991-volkswagen-vanagon-westfalia-camper

But then going through the photos, it just gets worse and worse. The undercarriage is all rusted to hell, and there's weird body damage.

But on the other hand, the cockpit area looks absolutely pristine.

What's going on with this one?
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82 Westy TDI (ahu) = 70 mph uphill + 28 mpg

See my Classified ads for some super deals on Diesel Vanagon parts!

[sanchius]

Seems like a solid deal for a good looking Bostig Westy. Needs paint. No relation

1985 Bostig Westy Weekender $10K - Danville IL
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1228050285302460

1985 Bostig Westy Weekender $10K - Danville IL

About this vehicle
- Driven 237,000 miles
- Manual transmission
- Exterior color: Blue · Interior color: Tan
- Fuel type: Gasoline

Seller's description
1985 Vanagon Westy Weekender. 237,XXX miles. However, it has a Bostig engine conversion with a 2001 ish 2.0 Zetec with around 70k miles according to previous owner. There is an Ultragauge for keeping an eye on the engine. Runs great. No concerns with taking it a road trip as long as you aren't in a hurry. It maxes out at about 65 mph. Averages 20 to 21 mpg.

Clean title. 2WD. Manual transmission. Recent clutch, alternator, fuel pump and sending unit, power steering reservoir and lines, starter, CV axles, coil, spark plugs and wires.
Good tires.
Has dual batteries, and a Fiamma awning. Also comes with a box full of the original curtains.
Interior has no odors or smells.
Bench seat folds down into a bed, with another bed in the pop-top.

Though not urgent, it needs the following: paint work as the clearcoat is coming off, a new windshield, a couple rust spots under windows and it has a few areas starting to show some seam rust. Probably needs an exhaust update before it would pass an emissions inspection. The batteries die if it isn't driven for a couple weeks and we haven't been able to figure it out. Would be worth quite a bit more once all this is fixed.

We enjoyed travelling all over the west in this van and will miss it, but we are ready to let the next person take it on more adventures and fix it when it breaks

No trades, won't accept offers under asking price, cash only, and would prefer to sell to someone mechanically inclined (or willing to learn) as it is 40 years old so there are occasional issues!
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The Syncro years (2005-16) - The 2WD years (2017-23) - In Hoosierland (2023-now)
Westy & WBX rebuild spreadsheet - Sanchius & Tuna: The Video
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[Bub]

This Van is something else you guys. I've known this Van since Dan imported it.

It is absolutely one of a kind, there is nothing like this thing anywhere else on earth. The price is what it is, but make no mistake it could be twice that and you'd find it hard to argue about.

Don't know what else to say, if you're "in the market" for something like this and your budget is even remotely close..THIS IS IT.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2754110

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