Realistic Value?

[spazchicken]

I'm trying to determine a realistic sale price for a 1984 Vanagon GL that is in pretty good shape (physically), but does not currently run. It's been sitting for 20+ years in a carport.

Our original thought was to convert it to a little mini family camper so we had it cleaned up and new tires put on it. But our local mechanic is iffy about attempting to repair it and suggested it needs a new engine, which he does not want to take on.

Other estimates I've gotten to get is running or swapped out are $8-12k+, which we honestly don't have right now.

So that leads us to just wanting to sell it outright. I'm finding it difficult to find solid info on what it might really be worth. I'm not looking to fleece anybody, but I also don't want to miss out if it's worth more than I think it is.

Thanks in advance for your advice. Mods, sorry if I posted in the wrong place!

Regards,
Rick / Spazchicken

Details:
Year: 1984
Model: Vanagon GL
Miles: 127k

Pics:

[Shonandb]

I just did a search on Craigslist in the Seattle area and there are a few 1984 non camper Vanagons in the $4000 to $6000 range but they are running and driving. There are a few others listed for more and some in rough shape (parts Van) for less.

Not sure how your area compares to the PNW but this is a start.
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76 Westy with a 2.5L Subaru SOHC + Vanagon (010) Automatic Transaxle
Build & Trip Thread: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=758760
Previous 1973 Panel Bus:
Click to view image

[spazchicken]

[E1]

This is a tough case, and you’ll get so many differing opinions a better question might be to ask yourself what you paid.

But here’s a thought, or not… do you trust this mechanic?

West Coast prices are the highest anywhere… but, being a rarity where you are could, maybe, make their prices in the same ballpark.

There’s a user here with, I think, a similar van, named Andy Bees. He’s a good guy and in Kentucky, maybe he needs parts from this. Wild guesses all, Sorry.

But no matter what… it screams “money pit” from the start. Considering neither of our two vans seemed to be, but turned out to be, I think you’re wise to sell.

I’d guess $2,000 to $3,000 might be fair, but that assumes it doesn’t need a complete overhaul and that everything but the engine is decent. One thing working against you is being a basic model, a non-camper, and with more question marks than answers and few ways to arrive at any.

A full day, weekend, or a week spent cleaning every nook and cranny might maximize your gains.

Best of Luck.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[skills@eurocarsplus]

[RoryGirl]

I think 2k is on the high-end for not running...it does look pretty rust-free 🤷‍♂️

[spazchicken]

[E1]

Good.

Did he say or know why it doesn’t run?

I edited my post, wasn’t sure if it’s ever run since you’ve had it.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[jlrftype7]

I paid in the low $3000's for ours in Fall of 2018- it was running and driving, barely. But as Skills noted, it needed one , or two even , of everything....

Prices went up during Covid and now seem to have retreated a bit, esp for NON-Runners.
If you could get it to run, and verify the transmission works, that would increase your selling value.
Ours is the Base L model. Doesn't even have a bed, just the old flop down bench seat upper back.
_________________
'68 Westy- my first VW and vehicle/Bus- long gone.- sold it to a traveling Swiss couple....
'67 Type 3 Fastback, my 2nd car- gone
'69 Semi-Auto Stick Shift Beetle-gone
2017 MINI Coopers, our current DDs
‘84 Tin Top - Hilga....Auto

[MarkWard]

[djkeev]

There is no hard and fast value for your Van.
It 100% depends on the condition of the body..... no rust = higher value.

It must be assumed that the engine and the drivetrain are toast and will need repair because it cannot be test driven to confirm otherwise.

Your buyer market is small and specialized.
This Van only appeals to a DIY'er.

Mark Ward is a very good choice for a buyer.
He knows and loves the platform, it will go to a good owner.

If it were a camper...... everything would change for the value of a camper is usually multitudes higher than a tintop.

To get $2,000 as it sets is a stretch but worth a try.

List it in the classifieds on this site for a price you would like to get.
After it sits for a few months at that price with no buyer..... contact Mark. He is honest and will make a realistic offer.
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[MarkWard]

If you’d like to add a little value, see if the shop would be willing to pull the spark plugs, temporarily install a fresh battery and do a cold compression test. Even compression even if low adds value.

If that is not in the budget, see if the shop would be willing to see if the engine is freed up. A long ratchet on the crank pulley bolt or pushing the van in 3rd gear and see if the crank turns.

An engine that turns and better yet a compression reading you could post would get you up to the $2k amount mentioned above.
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[E1]

Agree with all of the above, all the way through.

You might still clean it and see if anything flies, meaning to maximize a sale and we all understand that.

But that said, if Mark buys it know that I know it couldn’t go to anyone who’d respect it more.

I’ll add, too that unmolested 1.9 motors are in short supply. It’d be worth a letter to Rocky Jennings in Washington to see if he can harvest the heads from it, at least.

Terrific vendor, and human. His Google score of 5.0 is no accident:
https://rockyjennings.com/
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[Ahwahnee]

My approach would be to consider what this van would be worth with a freshly rebuilt engine and transaxle... then subtract the cost of those two items (and installation). The result won't be a whole lot but will reflect the reality (and opportunity) a new owner will be taking on.

[WillRB]

[MarkWard]

There are a couple other ideas that occurred to me. There is an online auction called Bring a Trailer or BAT. The auctions last 1 week. You need to be able to answer questions from prospective bidders and the usual internet squirrels. List it no reserve project not running. It only takes 2 that want it.

There is another option, but I don’t know how to go about it. There is a business in or near VA I believe referred to as Vanagon Heaven. Google it. I don’t know if they find you or you somehow contact them. I believe they restore vanagons to resell. They are not a junkyard parts business. Might be worth looking into. Good luck with your choice.
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[mikemtnbike]

I'd see if Monkey Nut will agree to try and get it running. Much easier to sell, more valuable if just runs even if not driveable ( because it at least needs a total brake overhaul for sure).

https://www.monkeynutvw.com/
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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

[campism]

[E1]

Marks comment about “Vanagon Heaven” rings a dim bell for me, but not sure it’s the place below… from Campism’s comment, probably not but might be worth a try.

Memory’s failing on an accurate shop name, but in extreme NE Tennessee in 2016 we passed a guy’s house right on the highway and shortly before arriving at a campground called “Indian Boundary.”

He had Vanagons everywhere, was a really, incredibly cool guy, booked up for months, and had several projects going so may well still exist. He wanted us to stay and camp and BS even longer, but the October daylight was fading and we were on an autumn photo mission.

I normally have a great memory on these things, but we’ve been out too long and seen too much to remember the shop name for sure now, about 2,700 travel days after.

He’d be a perfect resource to contact, for advice more local to you in whatever direction you go.
_________________
‘84 Westy, 2.1L with Digijet, 5.43 R+P, GT Gears
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere."
— Colin Chapman

[skills@eurocarsplus]