Dear list,

I've just subscribed to this list because I'm thinking of buying (as
early as tomorrow) a 1984 Vanagon (7-seater).  The vehicle is in
beautiful, northern California condition (i.e., no rust), seems to run
well (I drove it for 1/2 hour or so), and possesses an interior that
looks like a new car (really!).  The owner insists it is in good shape,
and has recently replaced the water pump, clutch, and tires.  The price
is right, too -- only $1800.

However, I'm having strong reservations about buying the thing after
hearing horror stories about the water-cooled engines' head gasket
problems.  I have negative money at present (I'm a graduate student
musician), and simply CANNOT purchase a vehicle that's going to cost me
lots of money each month.  I especially can't go around investing $1000+
on blown head gaskets.

Should I be this worried?  Is it possible to prevent an 84's head
gaskets from wearing out, or is it, as one report claimed, an inherent
design flaw?  Would I even be able to bleed the cooling system myself on
occasion, or would that even help?

Two things to keep in mind -- I'm not extraordinarily mechanically saavy
(I'm a harpsichordist, not a mechanic!), and I only really need the
vehicle to run for two years or so (while I'm in grad. school).

Thanks in advance for your help.

best,
Jon
---
Jonathan Rhodes Lee
jrlee@mailandnews.com