Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 15:20:01 -0800
Reply-To: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: Re: Value of '82 diesel
In-Reply-To: <BAY134-W31D15CAEECD68C45571C95DB3B0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Historically, that is a lot for a stock diesel engine passenger Vanagon
but diesels have gained a following in the last few years. The growing
interest in alternate fuels is the big driver of the increased demand.
Any 82 Vanagon could be expected to have a number of present or looming
mechanical issues. At least this one should be somewhat of a known
quantity and with a freshened engine. The engine is a weakness in the
diesel Vanagon, no pun intended. Be sure to drive this one around a bit
before deciding. It takes a special person to live with one.
82 diesels did not have the rear heater, only the floor duct which is
easily removed. You can add easily add a rear heater if one is important
to you. I would worry about the interior parts the least, since that
stuff can be replaced by you easily enough.
The oversized pistons are most readily available at a lower price in the
size he is using. While 1,2,3,4 oversizes are available the 2 and 4
sizes are much cheaper in my experience, even the stronger TD pistons.
Lots of VW diesel vehicles were owned by people who were to put it
gently, FRUGAL. Expect a lot of neglected service and/or micky-mouse
workarounds. Don't buy one from a distance without a close inspection first.
Mark
Edward Duntz wrote:
> As some of you may have seen from a recent post, I am considering buying an '82 diesel Vanagon from my mechanic. He wants between $3,000 and $3,500 depending on what he does to it before selling it. I have been trying to find other diesel Vanagons to compare prices, but I have found very few. There is another on the Samba for $4,995, with custom upholstery. (That one is at a dealer.) There was another in Maine, but I forget the price. I can't find any similar for price comparison. The others I see are either Westfalias or non-running or both.
>
> This one is having an engine rebuild- I know that he's boring out for double oversized pistons- he says that single oversized aren't available. He's putting on a "known good head." I'm not sure yet what he's going to do in terms of shocks, brakes, suspension, etc.
>
> This one says GL on the back, but it doesn't have a rear heater, and it doesn't have the duct that diverts some of the front hear to the back via the area in between the seats. It has front seats that have the short armrests, which I assume are from a slightly later year. Did '82's have armrests? The seats show a lot of wear.
>
> It is a two-tone brown, with some rust, and just a small amount of seam rust at the rear.
>
> Has anyone seen any others recently for price comparison?
>
> If I don't buy it, he will likely put in on eBay. I'm not sure if I should make him an offer, or take my chances and see if I can get it for less when he puts it on eBay.
>
> Thanks,
> Ed
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