Well, first, the Vanagon does not have a timing belt unless someone has
put a Subaru engine or something in it!

My recommendations:

Every two years/30,000 miles replace the coolant and brake fluid.
every 60,000 miles it is recommended that you change the oxygen sensor,
but check it first, it is probably okay.  Also drain the transmission
fluid and replace with synthetic Red Line MTL or MT-90 (applies to
manual transmissions, change automatics every 25,000 miles).
Change oil and filter every 5000 miles.

You should be able to get these things done for around $250-$300, and
you don't have to do them all at the same time so you can spread out the
cost.  Call experienced Vanagon shops for prices on each service.

Kriss De Jong wrote:
>
> I just called a shop that I've used a couple of times (the one that I
> was mostly happy with not the air conditioning nightmare for anyone
> keeping track) to make an appointment for 60,000 mi svc.
>
> I found myself in a bit of sticker shock when he was telling me what
> needed to be done. I believe in preventative maintenance, but I don't
> care to get taken to the cleaners.
>
> What would you expect to be done? Does the weather the van has been
> in make a difference? This vanagon has lived it's whole life in the
> San Fran bay area.
>
> He mentioned changing belts, the timing belt, fluids etc etc. and
> that it will cost around $460.
>
> Is this smart or going over the top to replace these at this juncture?
> Does it make MORE sense if I am thinking of a more or less 5,000mi
> trip this summer?
>
> Thanks,
> Kriss
>
> LB (little bus) '91 Vanagon GL
> __________________
> Kriss De Jong
>
> Killer Banshee Productions
> kbanshee@killerbanshee.com
>
> Rocket Network, Inc.
> teknosan@rocketnetwork.com

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext. 8208
Fax: 206-269-6360

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