OK, get this:

1995 Jeep Cherokee, perfect running condition.  I was driving on what
I now call the Bermuda Triange....a section of 3 intersecting
freeways in Austin....and BOOM!  The jeep throws a rod and nicely
ruins the engine block.  2 months later, with my replacement 1986
Mitsubishi Montero I am driving innocently within my "bermuda
triangle", BOOM!  Same thing happens - I throw a rod and it rips
through the engine.  So although this coincidence has no vanagon
content, I avoid this area at all costs.  I am a firm believer in
contagious car problems!

Alan