Chilean wheels: The process of buying a car

Going Mobile

Having lived in Concepcion for 3.5 months without a car, it is now time to consider buying one.  As with most things, we don't really need it. Public transportation (both short and long haul) is wonderful in Chile. Instead, we want it to travel to more far flung, rural locations, to live in for extended periods and to shuttle my parents and brother around when they visit.  Tall order.  Sometime around May of 2014, we plan to set off on a strange journey around the great continent of South America, winding our way home by August of 2014, just in time for a family reunion.  After considering many options, we have focused our desires on the ultimate traveling platform, a late model Vanagon Westfalia (1987 - 1991 ideally).  Why this vehicle?

Ultimately, we would like to find something like this.

Vanagon Westfalia Attributes (good and bad):

  • Sleeps 4. Seats up to seven = save money on hotels/buses, camp anywhere.
  • High clearance, good off road even as 2WD.
  • Relatively simple mechanics, limited electronic controls = repairable in the field
    • often needing repairs...sometimes weak engines
  • Large community of South American/Other VW enthusiasts to help with repairs/advice.
  • Lots of web info avaialble on modifications, repairs, improvements, customization
  • Good resale value
  • Old enough that we could import it into the US (25 years or older).
  • Not too hard to find in Chile.
How to find one?  Digital shopping.  Also trying word of mouth through VW clubs.
Stories from other 'over-landers' traveling in South America, sometimes in VW buses.
  • TO BE ADDED...