With the I4 setup and other improvements you should get more than just 5
years.  Plus that I4 (especially if it's a new engine) will bolt up to any
Vanagon (maybe a newer one in your future) if an untimly crash or the wages
of rust get to your current Zen center.
Dave
83 Tiico Westy
83 WBX Westy
59 SO4 Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: "andrewbell" <andrewbell@QWEST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2001 8:12 PM
Subject: How much longer?

> I hope this isn't too long. Please read and respond if you have the
> time.
>
> I've been wrestling with the concept of selling and replacing my
> Vanagon. I know, what the hell I I thinking? I'm thinking about two
> points:
>
> 1. My '83.5 Van is aging. It is not nickel and diming me, but needs more
> than periodic maintenance, that I gladly give it because I have this
> weird bond to it. I enjoy working on this problems that arise to achieve
> my vision of total Vanagon perfection which is a stock Van with some
> minor updates. Pics of the Van in question are here:
> http://www.bellfamilytree.org/vw
>
> This point boils down to cash. I have about three grand invested in the
> Van, and it has 176,000 miles on a stock 1.9. To obtain my idea of
> Vanagon Zen, I would need a I4 conversion ($4,000), some minor body rust
> repair ($1000) and a few interior repairs and updates ($500). Give or
> take 10% either way for savings or nightmares. So in the end I may have
> about $9000 into a great vehicle that can run for perhaps another 5
> years?
>
> 2. I own a small business that could totally write off a new vehicle for
> me, perhaps a '0? EuroVan? Yes, they cost ~$30000 for a new Van, but
> nothing else for 10 years - theoretically.
>
> One would benefit from the dependability  and performance of a new Van
> with a V6, or whatever, not to mention the safety features of ABS and
> airbag protection. One would also see depreciation, but also no previous
> ownership that didn't do things right the first time.
>
> I'm not necessarily torn between the two, but am questioning investing
> today in a Van of yesteryear. I won't say that the EuroVan idea is super
> practical or thrifty, but neither is the maintenance of my beloved
> Vanagon. If I did get one, I would probably have it for the next 10
> years, so I would definitely have quality time with it ... or will VW
> bag it, too, in favor of the new Micro bus? And if so, isn't' that a
> good five years away?
>
> You know the ins and outs of Vanagons better than anyone. More so than
> VW, even. I'm not saying I'm going to bag the Vanagon, but I'm
> questioning my faith in being able to provide for it in a manner that
> would benefit the vehicle and my family. Have there been any other
> mis-musings mentioned before? Anyone out there have a EuroVan? A new
> one? Can anyone forward this to the EuroVan list for me, or send me
> their address?
>
> Thanks in advance -
>
> AB