As a counterpoint to the gold Syncro earlier, here we have a non-Syncro, non-kitchened Westfalia, giving a few more sleeping options without overcomplicating the interior. It may not be quite as original – the rear seats look nicely recovered and the “new engine” leaves more questions than answers – but there’s no insane asking price here. The engine (listed in “item specifics” as a 6-cylinder, but the description sounds more like it’s a rebuild?) has just 18k miles on it, a positive regardless of engine size. It’s by no means perfect, but behind the worn paint and question marks, there may just be a diamond Westy in the rough.
Click for details: 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Westfalia on eBay
Year: 1986
Model: Vanagon
Engine: 2.1 liter flat-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 18k on engine, chassis unknown
Price: Reserve auction
This is a 1986 Westfalia Camper in pretty good condition. We bought this camper in LA in 2004 and drove it down the Baja Peninsula allt he way to Cabo, amazing trip. At the end of our the odometer broke so we had one put in in Mexico so it shows kms and not miles.
We had a new engine put in 2005 and changed the changed the clutch cylinders. Since then we have driven her 18 thousand miles. Service was done by Tims German Auto in Dallas, some of the best vw mechanics out there. She is a really comfortable vehicle and I think it is ready to go camping!
Paint is worn as with any 30 year old car. Seats are in pretty good condition. The top works but the tent has a few holes. I would patch them rather than change the top.
The Westy is not the full camper version. It does not have a stove or the like. We like it much better this way since it has much more room and the stove and fridge are a bit too much for a small rig.
Suspension is in good conditions
Please ask as many questions as needed.
“Ask as many questions as needed” eh? Ok. What engine’s under the rear now? How many miles does the chassis have? What other major maintenance/replacements have taken place?
If the seller has those answers, then maybe it’s worth jumping on the bidding train for this otherwise-attractive Westy. Thus far, and still probably well below the reserve, bidding has been very hot as prospective buyers try their hand at getting the deal of the century. If the seller has all the right answers, this could reach upwards of $15k, but if the answers are foggy, it’s probably worth it to move on.
-NR
