Buy it and go.  If you don't, you won't...and will regret it later.  

I don't have any VW or any other make rose colored glasses.  Never owned more than one of a make of car wait...except Triumph GT-6s, but every vehicle I have owned has been somewhat unique.   Read this list for a while or search the archives and you'll read the same thing over and over.  Check your potential Westie for what is chronic and expect to fix sometime.  Realize that some listees are mechanically inclined and some aren't.  Some buy a 15-20 year old vanagon and expect the maintenance and reliability of a new vehicle.  Some design cup holders from gum wrappers and depleted uranium, with LEDs to indicate empty/full status (sorry Frank...)  If you are mechanically inclined, don't worry about it... I was able to fix most vanagon issues prior to subscribing and still haven't bought a Bentley (muted gasp!)
These are machines.  Somebody makes 'em and someone else fixes them.
One disclaimer, if you do buy, it's not a bad idea to re-evaluate what is considered romantic...

If you make it to the west coast of BC in your Westy, come on over for a beer...

Regards,

Mike Pedersen
88 Auto Westy
Powell River, BC