I have both ramps and jack stands and use both.  It depends on the repair
necessary.  I do suggest that you buy whatever your local auto parts store
stocks as long as what you buy has the weight rating necessary.

Another suggestion:  a good floor jack.  It will save you much effort jacking
your vehicle up and down.

BTW oil changes are quite simple.  I never jack up my van to change the oil.
I lay on the driveway.  The drain plug is easily accessed from the ground.
They designed the oil filter so that it can also be reached without jacking
the vehicle.  Vanagons are (in general) not all that difficult to work on.

Good luck and drive safely,

Dennis Lockwood
91 Carat
Original Owner