Re:  Which Vanagon/and the reliability issue:

They are expensive to repair if you're going to a VW shop.  Case in point,
an unstable idle in my 85 1.9l was caused by a bad throttle body.  The pin
that holds the valve had worn out at it's base, so the valve couldn't secure
properly, allowing excess air in and confusing the computer.

I'm not a mechanic, so I took it to a place I trusted.  A new throttle body
can run $800.00.  Before the mechanic touches your vehicle.

Some facts though: My 85 ran me 3500.  Reasonably new engine, but done by a
shadetree mech who had a lot of "spare parts left over".  After the
inevitable used car initial purchase/troubleshooting on the van of about 1k
or so, it ran us all around Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana for 5 years, though
with that unstable idle.

Got sick of the idle running high, so after moving I took it to Lehmann's in
Bechtelsville.  They found a used Tbody for about 100.00 with a warranty.
They also found all of the spare vacuum line parts not reinstalled at
rebuild, and went through the motor with a fine toothed comb, adjusting
everything as they went.  That ran me a little over 800.

So, I've spent about 5k - 6k dollars for the vehicle, with the
aforementioned repairs.  But this is for six years of use!  And after this
recent tweak, I still don't have a lot tied up in a van that should quite
easily run me another 30-50k if I keep the oil fresh.

The van is huge inside, safe, drives like a dream.  I can do 70 all day
long, (except up steeper hills) my inverter keeps the kids happy, and at
over 6', I have the driver seat room that's becoming increasingly rare.

It would be very difficult to find this type of comfort, room and utility in
a vehicle I would consider reliable for under 10k.  Which is my .02!

-=Chris=-
85 GL Fritz
www.customblends.com