Used 1991 VW Vanagon GL - First 5k takes it for sale in Bonney Lake, WA

This is a seven passenger 4-speed manual transmission "stock" VW van with air conditioning. It's also the most wonderful and versatile form of transportation I've ever owned. It accommodates all manner of things - kid transport (carriages, bikes, etc), outdoor gear, almost any manner of furniture, boxes during a move, telescopes, lumber, unexpected family members from out of town whose rental car only seats four. It's been fun and incredibly practical. But it needs a new owner who can put some loving into it and get it back on the road where it belongs. I'm listing the condition as 'fair' because it needs work, as below. It's a 29 year-old vehicle with high mileage but it has good bones and the work is do-able. Please read this ad all the way to the end before contacting me about it. Thanks

Details:

The good: The interior is in great shape and the headliner is intact. Seats fold down to make enough room to sleep two (which we did many times over the years). 4x8 foot wood or sheetrock panels lay flat in the back. The frame is straight.

The cosmetic: Body work. Two corners are dented, and the fiberglass bumpers are damaged. One side was sideswiped (but not badly enough to warrant sheet metal replacement). I've been told by some that the bumpers are repairable, and by others that they must be replaced. Nice all-metal aftermarket bumpers are available as well. It will need a paint job.

The truth: I wouldn't chance driving it home. Instead, its first trip should be a tow to the shop. The motor does run but it blows smoke, burns oil, and uses water rapidly. This may mean a ring job and head gaskets. It more likely means a rebuild or new motor. For about the past ten years it has mostly sat, having been driven maybe 3,000 miles during that time (we have alternate vehicles that are our daily drivers). It also can do with the usual - brake maintenance, new A/C refrigerant, fluids, etc.

The verdict: These vehicles are increasing in value and a restoration would be rewarded - both in terms of personal well-being and financially if you ever sell it.

Terms: $5,000 firm, sale is final. Cash or bank cashiers check in hand or verified funds received to my bank are required before I can turn over the title or the keys. I'd be willing to take funds via Square if buyer pays the Square transaction fee. No personal checks, no PayPal or Venmo, no crypto.

Driving this van has always felt like a magic carpet ride. Just sitting in it with the side door open, staring at the mountains at a trail head, sorting through your gear after a summer hike and eating your sandwich makes it feel like all is right in the world. Every family should have one of these vehicles when they have kids. We raised ours in this one. I've owned it since 1994. Ads like this usually end with "I have an emotional attachment to it, and I hate to let it go." True, but it needs an owner who can put in the loving and attention that it needs, and the utter enjoyment should be worth it.