You're dealing with a bunch of negative realists, here.

The reality of it is that any vehicle with over a hundred thou on it is
going to occasionally break down, and when Vanagons break down, there aren't
many folks who really know how to repair them.  Consequently, you need to
learn how to deal with them yourself, to a large extent.

Outside of a couple quirks, like the water jacket design, they are as good
as any other heavy vehicle, and a darn sight better than most.  Mine has
over 375,000 miles on it, and the doors still close, it doesn't rattle
(much), and parts only rarely fall off on the interstate, etc. ;-)

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "Debbie Walters" <debbwa@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2001 2:26 PM
Subject: Re: Back From Mexico!

> I'm gettin' scared here.  I bought my 85 westy 2 months ago after checking
> around and being told how good VW's are, and that they last forever, and
now
> on the list and VW web pages I keep seeing people getting excited because
> their van DIDN'T break down, as if it's expected of it to have something
go
> wrong during a trip.
>
> Wassup?  Am I in for spending some big dough on my van?
>
> deb
>
>
> Welcome back!  You are an inspiration to camping/traveling volks
everywhere!
> And congratulations on a breakdown-free trip south of the border.  Good
for
> you.  Sounds like you had a great time.  Enjoyed very much reading about
> your exploits.  Any more you care to share with the list would be more
than
> welcome.
>
> Aloha,
>
> Mick Kalber
> 89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"
> Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
> 62 Halaulani Place
> Hilo, Hawaii 96720
> 808-935-5557
> 808-935-0066 (fax)
> hotlava@interpac.net
> www.volcanoscapes.com
>
>
>