1985 VW Vanagon Westfalia Camper – $7,000 in Santa Cruz, CA
Westfalia prices always seem higher in West Coast cities when compared to the rest of the country, that’s why I think this one is kind of a decent deal. According to the seller there’s 219k miles on the body and only 42k miles on a rebuilt engine from Van Cafe. No mention if the kitchen appliances function properly, or how well. The tricky part is knowing how well the van runs and drives without being able to do a whole lot with it in it’s current state. I wonder if you could hire someone from Van Cafe to come take a look at it for $200? I’m thinking, as it is described, a $1,000 to $2,000 investment would likely get this rig back up to decent driving shape, however there could always been a list of endless problems with any vehicle this old. A master cylinder with labor at a good shop will run you at least $400, resealing the gas tank and doing new fuel lines, probably another $400. Then slowly work on the rust and body yourself with a grinder/sandpaper and some POR15. Find it for sale in Santa Cruz, California with an asking price of only $7,000. Craigslist Link
I agree on the cooling system and ignition, I’ve owned an ’86 before my ’85, and the 10hp difference was very noticeable as well. However, I’ve read the 1.9L is a bit less fussy overall, especially in regards to the ECU and some of the other electrical components, and I guess it’s relatively easy to upgrade the plastic h-pipe and some of the other cooling system pieces. I do greatly miss that extra 10hp my 2.1L had… sigh….
I did not know that the ECU and electrical was simpler. Whenever I see a 1.9, or especially an earlier model, for just a few grand less or the same as the 86 + models I cannto help but have serious pause.
If it wasn’t pre 86, maybe over 10k. The cooling and ignition systems were so vastly improved on the 2.1.