1989 VW Vanagon Westfalia Pop-Top Camper

Description for Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon 1989

I have a coveted 1989 Volkswagen (VW) Vanagon Westfalia for sale, in great condition. Original 2.1L engine, manual transmission. She's running well, tuned up, CLEAN and ready to go camping! Van is located in Sebastopol, CA (outside the fire zone.

I'm the third owner of "Rocio," bought her in 2009. If you know anything about Vanagons, then you know 1989 was a great year that continues to increase in value--making it not just a fun, classic vehicle to own, but a good investment.

This van spent a couple years in Nevada with the previous owner and 6 months in Mexico with me, but otherwise has lived in California all her life. She passes CA smog with flying colors every time (last smogged March 2017), and has a clean title and CA registration through Feb. '18. Never driven by smokers or pets. I have receipts for all major work, repairs, and upgrades under my ownership.

Interior and camping equipment are in GREAT condition, mostly original! Includes pop-top canvas tent with screens, all original seats and upholstery (except cargo area carpet, which has been replaced with cork flooring), full curtain set including the elusive wraparound front window curtain and a moon-roof cover, cushions for top and lower beds, full kitchen with double-burner propane stove, original Dometic fridge, sink, etc., and RV hookups. The previous owner barely used the camping gear at all, and I have not used it much in the last 7 years, TBH. There are a few little quirks but everything works as far as I know.

I have a LOT of extras I can throw in, including a custom solar panel setup so you can charge your stuff and work from the road. I also have a ton of great resources to pass on, along with VW gang signs and a secret decoder ring, of course.

QUESTIONS?

**If the ad is still up, I still have the van.**

I am happy to answer questions, but please read the ENTIRE ad before you ask: a lot of the info is here already.Message me via Ebay and I will send you my number if you want to chat by phone.

Thanks for looking! Here's the rundown...

THE BASICS

• 1989 Volkswagen (VW) Vanagon Westfalia, aka "Westy." Water-cooled, rear-wheel drive.
• Original, 2.1 L engine with approx. 170k miles on it (odometer stopped at around 145k).
• Clean title. Smogged and registered in California through Feb. '18.
• All head gaskets replaced at around 155k miles. This is the big Kahuna of Vanagon repairs - and it's all done!
• Fully rebuilt, manual transmission - meaning she can actually go freeway speed and climb a hill.
• Heavy-duty Bilstein shocks.
• 15" Go Westy wheels + four 15" tires in good condition, plenty of tread left. No spare.
• CV joints replaced.
• Fuel lines replaced.
• Water pump replaced.
• Full "pop-top" camper van mod by Westfalia: two built-in beds, full kitchen, two tables, front swivel seats, tons of storage cabinets, propane tank and RV hookups. Set up camp in 5 minutes!
• Complete set of privacy curtains - original, good condition, very rare!
• Go Westy pop-top seals, luggage rack seal and "moon roof" window with seal and shade, all watertight.
• Original exterior paint is showing some wear & tear in spots and the clear overcoat is fading fast, but there's no rust.
• Fiberglass on pop-top intact--no peeling, shedding or "fuzz".
• Both front and rear heaters work great.
• A/C does not currently work--it blows, but not cold. It was converted and "recharged" successfully once, so could be repaired. Might need a new compressor...I didn't investigate further.
• Kitchen is intact and barely used; all ORIGINAL except for faucet and sink pump, which were replaced with a better model from West Marine.
• Kenwood CD/MP3 stereo w/ 3 mm plug for your phone, after-market speakers.
• Clutch slave, alternator and master brake cylinder all replaced in 2016.
• New radiator (the nice metal German one from Van Cafe) installed last winter; old coolant lines/connectors replaced. No leaks!
• New windshield 2 years ago - super clear with no leaks, cracks or rock pits.
• Cargo area has cork flooring instead of carpet - looks nice, easy care! Original, molded plastic subfloor is in excellent condition.
• New rubber floor mats in front.
• "Big Wiper" kit, all new wiper blades.
• Recently tuned up + oil changed.

CONDITION

MECHANICAL: Very reliable. Running well with no major issues that I know of, and no leaks! You are welcome to BYO mechanic. Front brakes are squeaking a bit, might be due soon.

CLUSTER: The dashboard cluster is original. As stated, the odometer stopped somewhere around 145k miles. A repair was attempted, but it didn't hold up to Baja speedbumps. ;-) Speedometer also went out a couple of years back. There are apps for this stuff now, or you could investigate under the dash and see what's up. I can also provide the name of a place that repairs Vanagon clusters. Either way, it would be smart to install a digital engine temp gauge before heading out on your first big trip.

ELECTRICAL: No known issues other than the cluster. Does not "pop" fuses or blow out bulbs like some VW vans.

COSMETIC: This van is well-cared for and in great vintage condition. As I said, the original paint is showing some wear. Missing a few odds & ends, mostly bits of plastic trim, but nothing essential.

WHY AM I SELLING??

Rocio has been my only vehicle, driven lightly (though almost daily) for the last several years--no sitting around gathering rust & dust. I hate to part with her, but life is moving in a new direction and I'm not able to get away very often to use the van, or give her the love and care she deserves. I've developed back and shoulder problems and can no longer drive a stick shift for long periods.

I just bought another car for daily driving, and I don't want to maintain two vehicles. And, I really don't want the van to sit around collecting dust, either. It's time for her to go a new owner who has more time and freedom--and ideally, more mechanical aptitude--than I do. I'm not in a rush to sell, but if you're the lucky one to drive off with her, you should expect some tears.

BONUS PACKAGE - All included, worth at least $1k and not sold separately

— Custom SOLAR SETUP: panel + charging unit (included as-is): large solar panel fits in roof rack or between bunk cushions when you drive, tripod, and outdoor cords. Outlets and power converter are housed in a sturdy metal toolbox that fits between the two front seats on trips, and you can take it out and store it when you don't need it. I haven't used it in a long time; it might need new battery (though you could try recharging the one I have--it's an expensive deep-cycle marine battery, all sealed.)

— Bentley Repair Manual

— Original VW owner's manual and Westfalia camper manual

— Go Westy rear hatch screen: After-market, snap-on rear screen with middle zipper - much better than the original design. Like new!

— Go Westy sliding window screen (right side above sliding door): Nice, sturdy slider screen so you can have lots of ventilation in the back without bugs. Like new.

— NEW all rubber front floor mats, German-made.

— Console unit/cup-holder that fits between front seats. Very handy, just needs to be attached. I have hardware but never installed it.

— Lots of camping accessories in good condition, some like new! Nice, nesting cooking pots, solar shower, mattress pad that fits lower bed, bedding, etc. All spic n' span and ready to go! Or I can remove it if you prefer.

— Tire jack kit

— Extension cord and food-safe, RV water hose, used for campground hookups.

— Various tools + spare parts that are smart to keep around, like extra belts, Mann oil filters, bulbs, fuses and whatnot.