There was some carping a while back about no one ever singing the praises of
their Vanagon.  So, briefly, here goes.
Just got back from a trip to California in my 87 Adventurewagen and it was a
pleasure all the way, without a single hiccup.
This vehicle has a new trans and about 75 K on a Canadian rebuilt 2.1L,
otherwise, it is dead stock.
Notable episodes:
"Four wheeling" into campsites, in the dark, and Odell just eating it up,
despite being fully loaded with my family, full water tank, and loads of gear.
Cruising across the central valley in 100 F heat with narry a budge of the
temperature gauge, okay, maybe one millimeter of elevation beyond the LED.
Burning exactly .5 quart of Castrol 20-50 in 2200 miles.
Climbing into Yosemite on 120 in second gear on a blistering hot California
day, watching the temp gauge climb up, hearing the fan come on and then
watching the needle just sit there, stable as could be.
Getting about 18 mpg at 4000 rpm / 68 mph.  Getting 20 mpg winding between
Eureka Ca. and Yreka, Ca. along the Trinity and Klamath rivers, (a route I
highly recommend and will be doing again!).  Who ever heard of better milage
in third gear?
I had my doubts when I bought this rig, but it made me a believer on this
trip.

DAR and Odell the Adventurewagen (87 Vanagon GL)