Newbie Purchase help
 

I am currently looking at purchasing a low to mid 80’s VW Vanagon and have a few questions for anyone.
The earlier ones are air-cooled, but I have a chance to buy one for just under $5000 (CD) that has the stove, fridge and running sink. I have not seen it yet but the owner is a friend and says that it is in great shape other than a small dent in the door. He also mentioned that a year ago while driving through the mountains the engine had an “air lock” and he had to have it towed to the nearest town. He says it runs fine now but should be looked at before any long trip.

My wife, daughter (7 mths) and I plan on camping in it and traveling through the Canadian Rockies during summer, and through the US as well.

Should I try to find a liquid cooled one, are they much better? What should I look for and look out for in any of these vehicles. Any thoughts or suggestions or friends looking to sell would be great help.