Help me decide on this 87 Vanagon!

[eve_ill]

I have been looking for another auto as the Corrado really needs to go (e-mail or pm me if you're interested ) and discovered an 87 Vanagon in the paper. I went to check it out today and it is super clean- not one dent or spot of rust, and the interior is super clean, just like new. It is supposed to be a 2-owner car (some doctor until last year, and then this guy ). My problem is that the motor is leaking oil, I think. I saw no pool under there, but I don't know. I looked at the motor pretty well and saw no dripping/moisure buildup at the bottom of the heads, just oil buildup at the top of the head by the cover. I didn't get to check the oil or coolant today, either. So I guess my question is, would you drop a grand on a vanagon for the excellent body alone, with a questionable motor? And does anyone have pics of the dreaded corrosion/leaking head gasket problem? I can't seem to find any. Also, what problems would arise from driving on a motor that has the corrosion problem (monitoring oil levels and such, of course)... not that I would plan on driving it long, just curious. I will obviously check it again before I buy it, hopefully with some new tips that you all can give me.

I also found an 84 with a clean-looking motor, but a not quite as nice body (bit of rust here and there, had been in a small accident and the place on the front passenger side where the blinker is had been crushed a bit) and interior, but both still decent and workable... for the same price. Both have 4-spd.

Thanks.... I'm obviously a newbie on here

[wbx]

Basically, vanagons are for people who don't mind doing a bit of upkeep. They are getting old, you know? As long as you are not expecting a vehicle to give you absolutely 0 problems, they are fun...
The '87 is arguably a better van than the '84 for a number of reasons, the main highlights of which are better go and better stop (bigger engine and improved front brakes).

However, having said that, the 2.1 engine is a bit less reliable, having been known to throw rods (the 1.9 is pretty bullet-proof, except for the coolant thing).

Fortunately for you, you live pretty close Boston Bob Donalds who is arguably the guru of WBX engine building. He'll set you up right if it comes to that.

Also fortunately for you, you can drive a van with leaking coolant for quite a while (just keep topping off...). The oil thing from the top of the head? Cracked breather tower? 1k for a pristine body van sounds like a pretty good deal. Pretty much the main things to go wrong after that would be:
1) engine (about $1900 from B.Bob)
2) possibly tranny (yikes! what's this, he says). Manual trannys have been known to crack sliders, and can run you another grand.

Still, worst case, 4k for a (now) top notch van ain't too shabby . After that, at *least* another 100k miles of "trouble-free" driving.

Sign on to the vanagon mailing list, too...

Good luck,
-Damon
(i have an '84, and my father in law has an '87...

[eve_ill]

Thanks.. you have reassured me. I hope to take it for a drive tomorrow.. er, today, and see what is up with it. Also plan on inspecting the fluids and looking closer at the motor. It seems really nice, but the guy selling it is weird and I still don't know just what to think.
As for constant upkeep... well, I am familiar with this, having had a couple of Volkswagens including a Corrado which is quite possibly the pickiest VW ever.

I dunno, I guess if anything goes wrong I can just pick up another cheap van and have at it...

[eve_ill]

Well, ok, it has one dent and a scratch that is pretty big where it looks like somebody was taking a snowboard down off the roof rack (which is for sale, I think) and it slid out of their hads and down the side of the door, and upon much closer inspection there are a couple of pretty small rust spots, which I think will be easily taken care of. The main problem now is that one of the valve covers is leaking oil like mad. There's lots dripping out of there. I think it's just the gasket, though. It's also having a bit of trouble getting up hills on the highway. It does run pretty strong, though- just doesn't like cruising speed too much. Oh well, I guess it's time to get familiar with wasserboxers .

[earthmuffin]

Valve cover gasket is a piece of cake. They aren't fast vehicles, but you shouldn't have any trouble maintaining 60-70 mph on the freeway. Vanagons are finicky machines. They like certain tires and tire pressure, they like certain coolants, they like to be tuned up, and they like to go slow. Buy a Bentley manual and plan on doing a little maintenance and you to can be a satisfied vanagon owner. I accept the quirks for the room and the comfort.
If it is a high mileage motor, you are probably going to be headed down the new motor road, so just plan for it from the get-go and it will hurt less when it happens. 1000 bucks ain't bad!

[wbx]

I have to agree with what the earthmuffin says. I'm not really that much of a car person, but i enjoy my camper for what it is. Adding to his/her list of things to watch out for includes coolant. Phosphate free coolant is the mantra. Just to be safe, you should get the VW approved blue stuff, but it costs twice as much as the generic "unproven" brand (which probably still works OK, but is open to debate). If you have green coolant in your new toy, empty it as quick as you can!

Other than that, get on vanagon.com and start reading and/or join the mailing list.

Have fun!

-Damon

[JohnConnolly]

FWIW, we are getting rid of a 2001 X-country to become a vanagon exclusive family; they are just a lot more useful and practical. An 87' that clean with a bum engine is a decent deal. This leaves you with a bunch of $ for a GOOD engine (we have a small supply of FACTORY 2.1L engines in stock, they are $2700 for a longblock). A good rebuild is $3k-3500, and you really should replace a bunch of stuff, don't try to skimp. New heads, new waterpump, clutch, etc etc.

That sounds like a decent deal though.

john
Aircooled.Net Inc.

[Piledriver]

That's a great deal, John...
(The longblocks)

I still plan on building one with better rods and a little more oooomph, ceramic lifters etc.

I LOVE my 88, got it for free, 2 new heads and a waterpump, lots of little stuff and I LOVE it.

I would definately consider one in good shape for a grand in good running condition...(FI etc)