Many of my current escapist daydreams involve Vanagons, and while it’s fun to imagine going huge and having a low-mileage Syncro Westy, we all know those are some of the most expensive 80s Germans out there. In the face of that extreme investment, I’m ok bringing my expectations back down to earth and just looking for a decent, inexpensive van that can serve as a home away from home for a while. In that case, finding a lower-mileage example that has good bones but could use some love seems like the pragmatic starting point. Despite some cosmetic blemishes, everything on this aircooled Westy works and it’s only covered 92k miles. Sounds like a lot of fun for well under ten grand!
Click for details: 1980 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia on eBay
Year: 1980
Model: Vanagon Westfalia
Engine: 2.0 liter air-cooled flat-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 92,000 mi
Price: No reserve auction, $8,500 Buy It Now
1980 Volkswagon Vanagon Westfalia
The van is mechanically strong. It only has 92xxx original miles, but will go up because it is my daily driver. The exterior needs a little love. It is the original paint job, and is faded and has surface rust here and there. Interior is in pretty good shape considering its age. The front seats have a few rips, but I have brand new seat covers still in the box that are included. All appliances work ex. stove, sink, fridge.
The pop top tent is brand new, and the double bed up top has been recently re upholstered. Curtains are pretty new with buttons to connect one another. It has a CD player with iPod hookup and new speakers.
I bought the van from a man in Richmond that restores VW vans and sells them to collectors. It has been maintained by him, or The Bug House in Virginia Beach.
You will be responsible for setting up shipping and handling, however I will be there to ensure the transporter does a proper job and send video of the pick up.
She is a super strong VW. My wife and I are taking a trip to Key West this week in it, so the mileage will be a little higher upon return. If shes not the one for you, happy hunting!
Normally I find the “I’m going to keep driving it a bit, so…” lines slightly grating, but this one is endearing and is a good sign that, yeah, this van is ready for fun right now! And for the bits that need reupholstering down below, it’s awesome that the tent and top bed are redone. While the crazy megaBanagons sound cool, I think for my beginner VanLife purposes an example like this that is ready to be used and improved seems just about right for $7-8k.
-NR
