Unfortunately, they all seem to have that leaky gasket problem.  I have a 90
Vanagon Westfalia, and I love it to pieces.  I have two children, and a dog,
that help.  : )   I love the van, but the engine has serious design flaws.
After all of the pain and dollars spent on my vanagon, I would still
recomend buying one.  I am currently saving to put a Tiico conversion in.
Several people on my various VW lists recomend buying a vanagon that is in
good body condition, and then convert the engine over.  Currently VW is
endorsing the Tiico conversion, and I have only heard satisfied comments
from their vanagon owners.  Don't be discouraged, and good luck on your
search!

http://www.tiico.com/

Julianna
90 VW Vanagon Westfalia
76  VW Automatic Bay Westfalia
74 VW Beetle

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joel Sell" <jsell@PHILA.K12.PA.US>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, October 07, 2001 11:19 AM
Subject: New to List, Best Bus?

> I have belonged to the T2 list for a few years now, and I always hated
> people asking questions like "what's the best year to buy?", but now I
find
> myself in their shoes.
> Just sold my '74 westy last night because the wife wants A/C, power stuff,
> automatic tranny and mini-van seating for our kids.  So now I'm looking
for
> a Vanagon.  I'm pretty VW knowledgeable, but radiators and fuel injection
> have been outside of my scope of interest until now.
> I checked your information on Vanagon.com, but none of it (that I saw)
> offered tips on what to look for when buying a Vanagon.
> Are there any years I should stay away from?
> Any A/C units that are always going bad?
> I am aware of the head gasket problems, but are there any years that seem
> to be less leaky than others?
> Any info you can give will be helpful.
> Thanks,
> Joel  (without a bus)