| How do you feel about customizing your Vanagon? |
| I would I never want to customize my Vanagon in any way since It would lower its value. |
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2% |
[ 3 ] |
| I would like to customize my Vanagon but won't do so since I worry it will lower its value. |
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2% |
[ 3 ] |
| I customize and add accessories but worry that they may decrease its value. |
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9% |
[ 10 ] |
| I'll cut, drill, and weld anything on my Vanagon to suit my needs and wishes. |
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85% |
[ 93 ] |
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| Total Votes : 109 |
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| Author |
Message |
canasync
Samba Member
Joined: June 28, 2010
Posts: 656
Location: BC
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 Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 10:26 pm Post subject: Did you buy your van as an investment or to enjoy it? |
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There are many comments like the following ones on The Samba so here are a couple to get the ball rolling. Don't mean to pick on your guys but they were easy quotes to find.
| plummerdesign wrote: |
| I always wanted one. Fear of destroying the value... |
| insyncro wrote: |
| vw7266 wrote: |
everyone needs to get over this afarid to drill holes stuff
its just a bumper |
The main reason that my vans appraise higher than most is no drilling of sheet metal and especially the Westy tops. |
Seeing this on a regular basis on this forum drives me nuts. I too used to be a purist and have had old bugs and busses which I kept original. But once I started modding and customizing my vehicles to suit my wishes and needs I enjoyed them even more.
If you own a Vanagon because of its value then you are a fool to take it on the road. It should be kept in a secured climate controlled garage with a valid appraisal and adequate insurance coverage.
If you own a Vanagon because it is your vehicle of choice and you intend to use it then whats the problem? Do what you want with it.
Especially to the guys that have done engine conversions or added tire carriers or replaced entire panels, whats the big deal about a few extra holes for an awning or whatever other accessory you may want. Last I checked metal can be welded and everything else can be replaced.
I knew a guy whose decked out late 60's baja bug was appraised at almost $5000 more than his mint Split Window bug.
Enjoy your vans, use them, have fun with them. 
_________________
1987 Syncro
3 knobs
PumpeDüse TDI (17mm Garret Turbo, bigger injectors, stage 4 malone tune, intercooled)
Cruise Control
Remote Start/locks
Custom Lift
Custom Bumpers with receivers
Coast Mountain Hightop - Comming Soon
1985 2wd Vanagon Pre-runner in the making
soon to be powered by 2.5L Subaru
Custom Lift |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16503
Location: Brookeville, MD
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shadetreetim
Samba Member
Joined: January 10, 2011
Posts: 1994
Location: Riverside, California
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| Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 11:04 pm Post subject: |
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I'll let this picture speak for me
_________________
Tim Potts
Doing my best every time I drive it to dispel the myth these Vanagons have to be slow!
'89 Vanagon Bluestar/Country Homes 1.8T & .77 4th
'74 Jeep CJ5 |
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canasync
Samba Member
Joined: June 28, 2010
Posts: 656
Location: BC
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| Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2013 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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I like the way things are going so far 
dobryan: Especially a Syncro Westy should be used in my book. Get away from it all in comfort 
shadetreetim: You need to post some more pics of your rack setup. 
_________________
1987 Syncro
3 knobs
PumpeDüse TDI (17mm Garret Turbo, bigger injectors, stage 4 malone tune, intercooled)
Cruise Control
Remote Start/locks
Custom Lift
Custom Bumpers with receivers
Coast Mountain Hightop - Comming Soon
1985 2wd Vanagon Pre-runner in the making
soon to be powered by 2.5L Subaru
Custom Lift |
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tam_shops
Samba Member
Joined: November 15, 2012
Posts: 1530
Location: Vancouver BC
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:08 am Post subject: |
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You forgot one, "I customize things, as long as it does not require drilling holes because drilling holes in a classic vehicle is just wrong. Wrong I tell you!" LOL And, I think it increases or makes no effect to the value.
Never really occurred to me that customizing things would decrease it's value though...I'm not sure I believe that. Kind of depends more on what is done, how popular it is, how useful it is, if you can see it...
I drilled one hole for the new Fire Extinguisher. Used one of the holes that were already there, but the others did not line up. It was painful for me and my Vanagon did not like it, but I'm sure it appreciated a new larger working fire extinguisher all the same!
Then, there is the hole on my console. One little lone hole that was probably there to hold a GPS or radar detector or something. It seriously irritates me the person didn't use Velcro! LOL The OCD part of my brain looked at it when I was buying it, but my inner critic told me not to say anything b/c they'd think I was nuts. LOL Got to look for one of those and a digital clock at the same time. I really need to go to California!
tam
_________________
1987 Vanagon Westfalia GL Automatic
Making it special:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=545885 |
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hdenter
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2008
Posts: 2753
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:12 am Post subject: |
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Really!? This is a post that belittles van owners that don't use their vans to the fullest or tweek them to their harts content. Yet, should the unfortunate day come that your current van gets ruined, which van are you going to buy? The one with funky flower paint job and the battle scars to prove it's been to hell and back or the one with low miles and decent original paint that has never left the pavement. Enjoy your van and do with it as you wish, but don't knock the guy who likes a clean original van. And no, the van I am building is nowhere close to original.
Hans
_________________
'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender |
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16CVs 
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2004
Posts: 4024
Location: Redwood City, California
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:49 am Post subject: |
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Since I built my Syncro Westy from an ugly roller by adding a roof section and a Multivan interior,transmission engine and paint job ,I feel I have Carte Blanc to do as I please . But I am still a bit of a pussy about drilling holes .
I recently mounted my F45S awning and drilled 2 holes to mount the brackets ,it's done now and I know it wont fall off or crack the rain gutter .
Today I drilled my GW bumper and a hole through the body to run an accessory plug and keep the wiring as short and clean as possible . The hole is a little higher than I wanted and it shows just a Skosh . I do think long and hard before drilling any holes though .
When it comes to my Syncro Tristar ,drilling or modifying beyond straight bolt on is a true No No . At 318.000 miles it 90 % stock . It has a few Patched antenna holes in the roof and a hole at the back of the cab for a bed light ,but I didn't do it .
I have seen cars being restored after numerous owners added that special little touch .
Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread. |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 1:25 am Post subject: |
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Well, I'm no purist as I have built and worked on some of the most custom and tweaked Vanagons out there, but also finance my personal van builds by buying and selling pristine, bone stock and un molested vans.
I have had the appraisals by professionals and have seen that stock appreciates and used or customized have a value but far below a Stocker in A+++ shape.
Do as you please and when you want a beautiful van in years to come...you know where to find some of them.
Save your pennies....the prices will knock your socks off. |
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Ahwahnee
Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9800
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 6:44 am Post subject: |
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A topic for opining but fairly useless for meaningful discussion.
There is no right or wrong way to enjoy the vans and anyone who buys one as an 'investment' is unclear on the concept. |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 7:02 am Post subject: |
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| Ahwahnee wrote: |
There is no right or wrong way to enjoy the vans and anyone who buys one as an 'investment' is unclear on the concept. |
More true if you just own one van, not so true if you own multiple |
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Gunldesnapper
Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2013
Posts: 147
Location: Murika
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 7:05 am Post subject: |
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I'm already eyeballing the area below the stereo as a spot to cut so i can install a good 2 DIMM stereo when its time to upgrade.
_________________
1990 Vanagon Carat "Pig"
USN RET |
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wyomingresident
Samba Member
Joined: April 22, 2007
Posts: 246
Location: Jackson Hole
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 7:15 am Post subject: |
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Oh wait.... I have to clean peanut butter off the seats before I answer the question...
_________________
Don't tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.
Mark Twain |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 8:31 am Post subject: |
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Anyone who buys a vehicle (that's not a "Blue Chip" sports car) as an "investment" is either a moron and/or has more money than sense. Another way to say it is... A Vanagon is NOT an investment.
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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TequilaSunSet
Samba Member
Joined: May 30, 2012
Posts: 2109
Location: Philippines
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 9:28 am Post subject: |
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From my 1.8T, Weitec springs, BRM's, ScanMaster, cruise control, westy interior in a tin top (PO installed) and future changes... I cannot imagine NOT having these mods done.
For me its about FUN...
_________________
Don't harsh my mellow...
1985 Hightower Vanagon 1.8T- Gone
1972 Panel Bus- Gone
1967 Bug- Gone
1964 Euro Sunroof Bug- Gone
1969/72/63 Sunroof Bug- Gone
1975 Brazilian Bug in the Philippines 🇵🇭- New to me |
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61Scout
Samba Member
Joined: November 06, 2011
Posts: 1297
Location: Shoreline/Yakima WA
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 10:03 am Post subject: |
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Short answer: Both.
Investment (noun) -Process of exchanging income for an asset that is expected to produce earnings at a later time.
Fun (noun) -Someone or something that is amusing or enjoyable : and enjoyable experience or person.
One could put money into many other things (stocks, real estate, small businesses, etc) that will generate a higher return. But vanagons are gaining value, and certainly a better place to put your money than any number of other classics vehicles.
I think it's safe to say everyone here probably has some disposable income, and we all like to have some fun... if not we wouldn't own a vanagon (or any classic for that matter) in the first place. If we were solely going about our lives only to generate money, our spirits would surely suffer.
Kevin
_________________
1986 Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg, RJE 2.3
1985 Tin Top, Subie 2.2 + 5MT
Floppy Mirrors no more: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=653018&highlight=
Remove the front spindle nut with ease: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679567&highlight=
Remove the rear wheel bearing housing without messing with the big 46mm nut: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=679507&highlight=
-Nec Spe, Nec Metu |
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kalispell365
Samba Member
Joined: April 01, 2010
Posts: 889
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 11:08 am Post subject: |
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| 61Scout wrote: |
Short answer: Both.
Investment (noun) -Process of exchanging income for an asset that is expected to produce earnings at a later time.
Fun (noun) -Someone or something that is amusing or enjoyable : and enjoyable experience or person.
One could put money into many other things (stocks, real estate, small businesses, etc) that will generate a higher return. But vanagons are gaining value, and certainly a better place to put your money than any number of other classics vehicles.
I think it's safe to say everyone here probably has some disposable income, and we all like to have some fun... if not we wouldn't own a vanagon (or any classic for that matter) in the first place. If we were solely going about our lives only to generate money, our spirits would surely suffer.
Kevin |
TRUTH! |
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insyncro
Banned
Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 15086
Location: New York
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 11:24 am Post subject: |
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| ThankYouJerry wrote: |
| Anyone who buys a vehicle (that's not a "Blue Chip" sports car) as an "investment" is either a moron and/or has more money than sense. Another way to say it is... A Vanagon is NOT an investment. |
That is the most hilarious statement I have heard in a long time.
Dude, if you only knew the potential gains from buying and selling good, clean Vanagons and especially Syncros.
My accountant tends to agree. |
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ThankYouJerry
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2012
Posts: 2271
Location: Shakedown Street
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 12:53 pm Post subject: |
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| insyncro wrote: |
| ThankYouJerry wrote: |
| Anyone who buys a vehicle (that's not a "Blue Chip" sports car) as an "investment" is either a moron and/or has more money than sense. Another way to say it is... A Vanagon is NOT an investment. |
That is the most hilarious statement I have heard in a long time.
Dude, if you only knew the potential gains from buying and selling good, clean Vanagons and especially Syncros.
My accountant tends to agree. |
For the average owner (not flipper) you must factor in not only repairs and mods, but also... storage, taxes, annual registration and insurance. You're not making a return on investment until all is factored in.
My accountant would kill me if I told him I was moving everything into Vanagons.
_________________
1990 Multivan - "Ohana"
1.8T, Auto w/3.27 R&P + Peloquin TBD |
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randywebb
Samba Member
Joined: February 15, 2005
Posts: 3815
Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 1:45 pm Post subject: |
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| ThankYouJerry wrote: |
| Anyone who buys a vehicle (that's not a "Blue Chip" sports car) as an "investment" is either a moron and/or has more money than sense. Another way to say it is... A Vanagon is NOT an investment. |
Good Summary!
Maybe, a Syncro, definitely no 2wd Vanagon - OTOH, who knows how crazy people will be in the future
You would be far better off in a mid-cap stock mutual fund. Even if your business is to find, buy, fix up, and resell Vanagons, that is labor. If it is only a hobby, fine.
_________________
1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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danfromsyr
Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2004
Posts: 15144
Location: Syracuse, NY
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| Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2013 1:49 pm Post subject: |
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all that needs to happen to devalue our beloved westfalias is VW & Subaru in conjunction to develop a small cab forward van chassis that will travel 4-6 sleep 4 in comfort with all the modern conveniences of power traction and reliability for under $30k.
then watch the ceilign fall out of the vanagon camper & Syncro market.
till then.. ???
_________________
| Abscate wrote: |
| These are the reasons we have words like “wanker” |
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