1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia Westy Camper Van - $10,000 (belmont)
California Bay Area Owned, 3 owners 1/4 million miles. A camper van that is both an adventure and a challenge
What is the best year to buy a Westfalia?
Typically, it is wise to stick to the 1986-1991 models only. Every once in a great while, you come across a 1983-1985 model that is worthy of upgrading to the newer 1986-1991 systems, so it becomes essentially as good as the later models. The Vanagon was available in a full camper, and also a simpler "Weekender" model.
I bought the van with about 130k, and the engine had been rebuilt with about 110k. Rear engine seal leak and later head gasket leak before the second rebuild at about 230k. I put two new heads on it, but the rebuild did not solve the rear engine seal leak. The engine seems solid. Transmission has the same problem it had when I first bought it. You have to put it in second sometimes to get it in first. It does throw some transmission oil out if you drive it over 65 mph, but no major issues I am aware of. The spare tire is like the other tires, but no mileage on it. Solar panel has a controller which charges both the main battery and a small AGM battery. Interior shows its age, and the paint job is fading in spots. Canvas is original and has some places where the cat got it with its claws. Some issues with rust on the back door. Sink, stove, and fridge work, but it can be tricky to get the fridge to work on propane; it works well on gas and electricity. The stove works, but one of the burners does not work on high settings, but works on the low settings. The AC unit has been upgraded, but it was a waste of money. Van comes with a lot of spare parts and tools. Don't even bother to come and look at the van if you don't plan on working on the van yourself, as this van is over 35 years old and even when it was new, required more work than most, but it is a special camping experience. These vans are rare, but they are a project vehicle for the right person who can work on the repairs and store all the extra parts
