I would start questioning how good this shop you feel "comfortable" with
really is.  Assuming for a second, that you in fact have a WBX engine in
your bus, they are, in your words, taking you to the cleaners.  The WBX
engine does not have a timing belt.  'Course, if you have something other
than a WBX engine, it's a moot point.  A good way to tell if you are being
taken advantage of is to see if there's any new construction at the shop,
if there's a new boat and trailer the owner's showing off, or if the owner
drives a car that's considerably more expensive that the one's he fixes.
These items are expensive and need to be paid for somehow.

Alan Bosch
& Phred ('88 Wolfsburg)
Rochester, NY

Kriss De Jong <kbanshee@KILLERBANSHEE.COM>@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> on 04/10/2000
02:58:38 PM

Please respond to Kriss De Jong <kbanshee@KILLERBANSHEE.COM>

Sent by:  Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>

To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
cc:
Subject:  What expected for 60,000mi svc

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

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