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Deanna

Jul 4, 2002, 10:56 AM

Post #1 of 7 (880 views)

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1977 Chevy Impala Wagon

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Am I nuts to consider getting a 20+ year old Chevy wagon with the notion of reconditioning/ rebuilding the guts and taking it to southern Mexico?This is the logic I am using: I know that Chevy Impalas are very popular here in California and I live near a town (Watsonville) where I can get the work done. I saw lots of Chevys in Oaxaca, and my mechanic friends there own vehicles from the 1970's. (ok, of course they are mechanics so they do their own work).These are the biases I hold, based on personal experiences and preferences:
I like OLD things that have stood the test of time. I like boxy, metal cars that feel solid. Power steering is neat but NOT necessary. Power windows and locks are NOT something i want. I want a car that will hold passengers, dogs and stuff, and that I can sleep in. These are the limits I have:
I'm not made of money. I can't afford to spend $10k all at once on a car.
I am hoping to pay 2-3K or less (!) and then I'm willing to put in another
few thousand to make the thing ship-shape for long distance driving. I am accustomed to waiting as long as 3 weeks for auto repairs here in the US. Anyone out there with an older model Chevy wagon or van, I'd love to hear from you. Anyone out there with an 80s Chevy that has served you well, I'd like to hear from you also. Responses on this forum have been very helpful.Thanks!

Deanna

Jul 4, 2002, 3:12 PM

Post #2 of 7 (879 views)

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7 mpg-EEK! Chevy/Dodge VAN advice welcome

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OK the Impala is a no go. and I'm about to go look at a VW Vanagon (1990)....: Am I nuts to consider getting a 20+ year old Chevy wagon with the notion of reconditioning/ rebuilding the guts and taking it to southern Mexico?: This is the logic I am using: I know that Chevy Impalas are very popular here in California and I live near a town (Watsonville) where I can get the work done. I saw lots of Chevys in Oaxaca, and my mechanic friends there own vehicles from the 1970's. (ok, of course they are mechanics so they do their own work).: These are the biases I hold, based on personal experiences and preferences:
: I like OLD things that have stood the test of time. I like boxy, metal cars that feel solid. Power steering is neat but NOT necessary. Power windows and locks are NOT something i want. I want a car that will hold passengers, dogs and stuff, and that I can sleep in. : These are the limits I have:
: I'm not made of money. I can't afford to spend $10k all at once on a car.
: I am hoping to pay 2-3K or less (!) and then I'm willing to put in another
: few thousand to make the thing ship-shape for long distance driving. I am accustomed to waiting as long as 3 weeks for auto repairs here in the US. : Anyone out there with an older model Chevy wagon or van, I'd love to hear from you. Anyone out there with an 80s Chevy that has served you well, I'd like to hear from you also. Responses on this forum have been very helpful.: Thanks!

Jul 4, 2002, 4:29 PM

Post #3 of 7 (879 views)

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Wartburg Kombiwagen

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Eventually, it's gonna come up, I know it.....VW Vanagon
1977 Chevy Impala Wagon
Volkswagens, specifically small wagons from 1990-1992
Honda station wagon
Nissan (pickup or wagon)
1995 Toyota truck

billaqui

Jul 4, 2002, 8:44 PM

Post #4 of 7 (879 views)

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1977 Chevy Impala Wagon

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if you can find a 68 to 74 basic chevy/ford/dodge van or s/w in good shape they are very simple and reliable. after that it gets more complex each year. the vw's are nice but it helps to know how to fix them. get all new filters, hoses ,belts, brakes and tires, no matter how good yours seem. get real 4 ply or more TRUCK tires and tubes and one extra plus spare. buenas suerete. bill

Deanna

Jul 5, 2002, 10:08 AM

Post #5 of 7 (878 views)

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Thanks, B!

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Thanks for your help. I have added this info to my file (physically and mentally!)Consumer Guides from the public library are very helpful too. If I get a VW I will definitely build a library and hopefully even take some classes on how to maintain the thing... : if you can find a 68 to 74 basic chevy/ford/dodge van or s/w in good shape they are very simple and reliable. after that it gets more complex each year. the vw's are nice but it helps to know how to fix them. get all new filters, hoses ,belts, brakes and tires, no matter how good yours seem. get real 4 ply or more TRUCK tires and tubes and one extra plus spare. buenas suerete. bill

Deanna

Jul 8, 2002, 8:46 AM

Post #6 of 7 (878 views)

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Wartburg Kombiwagen -NOPE, Vanagon ...

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hardy har har.....Actually I'm buying the 1990 Vanagon today. I know it will need diligent maintenance...Muchas Gracias to everyone on Mexconnect who shared their knowledge and opinions with me!: Eventually, it's gonna come up, I know it.....: VW Vanagon
: 1977 Chevy Impala Wagon
: Volkswagens, specifically small wagons from 1990-1992
: Honda station wagon
: Nissan (pickup or wagon)
: 1995 Toyota truck

billaqui

Jul 8, 2002, 12:26 PM

Post #7 of 7 (878 views)

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Wartburg Kombiwagen -NOPE, Vanagon ...

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get the v.w. idiot maintenance book. best info around. follow it. buenas suerte.