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Emily_is_going_Westy
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2021
Posts: 10
Location: SoCal
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 Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:12 am Post subject: Going for my first Westfalia |
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Hey all! I’m new here and super excited to be part of this community! I’m finally getting the vehicle of my dreams!
We are looking at a couple Westies today and tomorrow. Any advice or a short list of items to look for while inspecting these vans?
This will be my main transportation. I’m very hands on and like to think I can pretty much fix and repair anything. I’m a mom too so safety is key as well.
Ok! That’s my spiel! Now I’d love to hear from experienced owners!
And thanks! |
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Marshj
Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2017
Posts: 268
Location: New Jersey
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:17 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Wesfalia |
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What budget range are you shopping in? This will significantly vary the “things to look out for”
Vans that need work - $6500-15,000 ( anything goes ... )
Vans that mechanically should be solid - $15,000-23,000 ( good interior, paint could use a refresh, some seam rust expected, no rust underneath )
Vans that should mechanically and visually be nice - $23,000+ ( good interior, good paint, no rust signs anywhere ) |
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TurtsMcSlow
Samba Member
Joined: August 07, 2015
Posts: 78
Location: Derby City, Cantuckee
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:18 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Wesfalia |
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| Replace your fuel lines, get a bentley manual... |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16501
Location: Brookeville, MD
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hdenter
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2008
Posts: 2753
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:23 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Wesfalia |
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Welcome to the Insanity! If you go to the top of the homepage for this forum, you will see the frequently asked questions (FAQ) sticky. Go ahead and open that up, the second heading under general information has a buyer's guide. There are lots of things to look for such as rest in certain problem areas and other things to watch out for. If you post pictures of these vehicles, there are lots of knowledgeable members here who can point out things both good and bad. Good luck!
Hans
_________________
'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender |
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Marshj
Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2017
Posts: 268
Location: New Jersey
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:27 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Wesfalia |
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As a general rule of thumb the major wear items on these vans and replacement items for reliability as related to expense / cost for the item and or repair - again these are reliability and safety items as opposed to ‘bling’ items. You want to find a van that had these things invested in first vs fancy bumpers, solar, etc
Rebuilt or upgraded Engines are a good thing ( $3500-20k+ )
Rebuilt transmission is a good thing ( $1250-4500 ) add $400 for updated trans cooler
Upgraded coolant hoses- new rubber and steel long pipes ( $1200-2500 )
New front end bushings and other hardware - ( $1200-2200 )
New suspension; springs, forks, bushings ( $800-2500 )
Upgraded wheels and tires ( not really essential but costly ) ($750-$2500)
Fuel tank reseal or replacement if needed ( $150-700 )
Exhaust repairs or replacement ( $150-1200 )
Water pump replaced ( $400-800 )
Radiator replaced ( $200-800)
Fuel lines replaced ( $100-300)
AFM replaced or rebuilt ( $250 )
Living space - only necessity is tent replaced ( $250 diy, $1000 shop )
These prices vary based on region and some are priced as DIY. There are many more small things to be done to get a reliable van, but these are the high ticket items. Both of my vans are my daily drivers and weekend travel vans. About 15k miles a year.
If I was buying a van already fixed up these are the things I’d look for. I typically buy broken vans and do these things, drive them a few years, get bored and start over. |
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mikemtnbike
Samba Member
Joined: March 26, 2015
Posts: 2795
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:31 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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This is serious test driving advice, even if kind of sounds like I'm being facetious.
Floor it.
_________________
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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sanchius 
Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2007
Posts: 1451
Location: IN
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:56 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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| Emily_is_going_Westy wrote: |
We are looking at a couple Westies today and tomorrow. Any advice or a short list of items to look for while inspecting these vans?
This will be my main transportation. I’m very hands on and like to think I can pretty much fix and repair anything. I’m a mom too so safety is key as well.
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Normally I advise buyers new to a type to simply pay the $$$ to have it professionally evaluated by a pro mechanic who works daily on that model.
You buy peace of mind if you have a great vehicle and any flaws found can be used to negotiate the price down on a less-than-perfect vehicle
However, it sounds like you may be sufficiently talented and experienced to use this: Vanagon Buyer's Checklist
Safety note: Not good news here as these antiques lack many of the modern safety advances like ABS/TC, airbags, extensive front-end crush zones, and rear seat head rests that you'll find in later model vans.
Good hunting!
You can pay us back by posting a story with pictures of the Westys you pass on and the one you eventually do buy and why.
_________________
The Syncro years (2005-16) - The 2WD years (2017-23) - Westy & WBX rebuild spreadsheet - Sanchius & Tuna: The Video
Your gold star membership keeps this awesome list going! |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16501
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:59 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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| sanchius wrote: |
| Emily_is_going_Westy wrote: |
We are looking at a couple Westies today and tomorrow. Any advice or a short list of items to look for while inspecting these vans?
This will be my main transportation. I’m very hands on and like to think I can pretty much fix and repair anything. I’m a mom too so safety is key as well.
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Normally I advise buyers new to a type to simply pay the $$$ to have it professionally evaluated by a pro mechanic who works daily on that model.
You buy peace of mind if you have a great vehicle and any flaws found can be used to negotiate the price down on a less-than-perfect vehicle
However, it sounds like you may be sufficiently talented and experienced to use this: Vanagon Buyer's Checklist
Safety note: Not good news here as these antiques lack many of the modern safety advances like ABS/TC, airbags, extensive front-end crush zones, and rear seat head rests that you'll find in later model vans.
Good hunting!
You can pay us back by posting a story with pictures of the Westys you pass on and the one you eventually do buy and why. |
From a crash safety aspect they were one of the safest vehicles on the road for their time, for their time...
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
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Ahwahnee
Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 9797
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:27 pm Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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If conditions allow I would examine the coolant level in both tanks in the engine bay while the engine is still cold and then again after a long hot drive. You are looking for an increase in coolant level beyond the small amount attributable to expansion. Specifically, a combustion leak in a cylinder will push 'air' into the cooling system that will first show up as too much coolant and later as an air pocket in the pressurized tank.
I mention it as this is an often over-looked fault at time of purchase that can be expensive to discover later. |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 22639
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 1:52 pm Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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Welcome to the madness, Emily!
DO read the thread by the DIY young lady in Chicago to see how things can go wrong, and the make sure they dont.
You dont need a lot of crash protection in SoCal as you roll at 15 mph at the Y
(Moms house in Laguna Beach)
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.ssS! |
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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 3018
Location: MD
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:38 pm Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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Body work is a lot more expensive than mechanical work. A clean van with a hole through the engine block is going to be cheaper than a rusty van with a good running motor.
$3k for a good rebuilt motor vs $8k for rust repair.
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'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition |
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valvecovergasket
Samba Member
Joined: October 10, 2018
Posts: 1491
Location: pnw
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 2:43 pm Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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Using a westy as a safe reliable daily driver?
This should be interesting!
Get ready to spend spend spend.
Or, if I were in your shoes, I'd probably get something newer for similar money.
Though I guess it depends on your budget initially, and what your expectations are after you've signed the papers... Tinkering on these is a great hobby!
Spending $25k for one that's going to need a good bit of babysitting (either by you or by someone else for $150/hr) may sour you on it. So adjust your expectations accordingly 
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MegaSquirt resource - SpitfireEFI.com
gone, but not forgotten: '83 tdi westy - swap thread |
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Steve M.
Samba Member
Joined: July 30, 2013
Posts: 6829
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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Emily, welcome to the forum!
There's a lot if naysayers on here it seems. Perhaps their justified by their experiences or the bad luck is their karma...
How's your karma?
You can have an incredible positive experience with these vehicles!
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.
There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them. |
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dobryan
Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006
Posts: 16501
Location: Brookeville, MD
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 5:36 pm Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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I drove a westy as a daily driver for decades. As all older vehicles it needed a lot of maintenance and I supplied it. I learned a ton along the way.
It is now no longer my only vehicle but I still put 15,000 miles a year or more on my buses. They are cheap transportation compared to buying a vehicle every 5 years but only if you are the mechanic.
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD
"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson
MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646
Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371
The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794 |
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Yellow Rabbit
Samba Member
Joined: August 31, 2005
Posts: 1146
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 7:12 pm Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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My van is quite reliable and a joy to drive. Like many have said, the key is keeping up on preventative maintenance. There are many vans listed for sale that have tons of accessories, widgets, and shiny trinkets added, but the basic maintenance lags. It’s worth having a van inspected be a professional that is used to working on them. Keep in mind most mechanics have never seen one.
Feel free to post pics and we will help point out as much as we can see through the internet. Don’t go into it naive, a good reliable Vanagon will approach the cost of a modern car, either in upfront costs or repairs after the purchase. |
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owokie
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2003
Posts: 533
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| Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2021 7:18 pm Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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| Emily_is_going_Westy wrote: |
This will be my main transportation. I’m very hands on and like to think I can pretty much fix and repair anything. I’m a mom too so safety is key as well.
And thanks! |
Shit, I'm about to sound like Bob Hoover.....
Don't buy a Vanagon as a first time owner, with kids, as your primary transportation without a backup vehicle. And as to the comment about "Karma", mine is fine, and I've never broken down in any vehicle, ever. And I'm not knocking on wood. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32574
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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owokie
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2003
Posts: 533
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| Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 9:09 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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| djkeev wrote: |
Welcome to the site!
You've probably noticed that not every owner has had a great experience!
Dave |
Perhaps I should clarify. We have had a FANTASTIC experience. My almost 7yo boys have over 400 nights and 60k miles in a Westy, first a Vanagon, now an LT. Canada, US, Mexico. And in that time we've met a lot of broken down and often unhappy dreamers.
My advice stands: Don't buy one as your primary transport as a first time owner, parent, with aspirational but untested wrenching skills. |
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kamzcab86
Samba Moderator
Joined: July 26, 2008
Posts: 7915
Location: Arizona
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| Posted: Sat Mar 06, 2021 9:32 am Post subject: Re: Going for my first Westfalia |
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| owokie wrote: |
| My advice stands: Don't buy one as your primary transport as a first time owner, parent, with aspirational but untested wrenching skills. |
The third owners of my van bought it when she was 9 months pregnant, had just bought a house that they were renovating, he had just started a business. She had been using the van to shuttle the kid to/from daycare and to/from work (but it was essentially his van). It needed A/C work, then trans work, then this, then that... they could no longer afford to keep it and she didn't like daily driving it with the baby. So, a year and a half after buying it, they put it up for sale so that they could buy a modern minivan.
I'm not saying don't buy one, but the above is a cautionary tale of know what you're getting into before getting in too deep.
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~Kamz 
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
 1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子 |
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