The subject question is answered best by...."get the newest,best shape van
you can afford".
At the risk of inviting the wrath of the Gods (and the Vanagon naysayers), I
have put almost 70,000 miles on my '91 Caravelle with NO mechanical problems
other than CV joints (flashing red temp lights notwithstanding).
My previous '81 went nearly 200k with very few repairs.
In today's world of throwaway everything, the Vanagon proves itself to be a
very durable and reliable vehicle.  At 159k my van has NO squeaks nor
rattles. The van easily tracks down the road and drives straight. My 2.1L
with auto tranny is as reliable a vehicle as I have ever owned. It has never
failed me. Ever.
YES, it does have its quirky needs and wants; but it is primarily a
utilitarian transport without equal in today's market. I, personally, like
the creature comforts provided by my power windows,locks and mirrors and
will put up with the higher maintenance required of them. At least I can
access this list to figure out how to fix them should something go
wrong....try that with your Lexus/Navigator/Chrysler/Astro/Aerostar!  This
List enhances the ability to keep these most excellent vehicles on the road.
My mere ten years' of owning VW vans has been successful through a regimen
of oil changes (70%), maintaining all fluids at maximum(10%), keeping an
eye/ear on exhaust colors/engine sounds (10%), and learning as much as
possible about the van(10%).
If my van died/wrecked/burned tomorrow , I'd fix it or replace it with
another.
Just my $.02.
--
Stephen Steele
Chillicothe OH
'91 Caravelle  Hans..........159K daily driver
'84 Westfalia  Fritz or Sunny?.....113K...hibernating waiting for Spring