The waterboxer is a fine engine and reliable if properly maintained. A couple of tips: Always use the right antifreeze and distilled water. Change the oil and filter every 3000 miles, and use VW oil filters or at least mann/mahle brand. Don't let small problems and strange noises go unattended. And lastly don't drive it like an american muscle car. John 90 vanagon gl --170,000 miles original engine.
And I don't know why any one would want to use a subaru engine that has two timing belts that have to be replaced every 60,000 miles along with the water pump. Not cheap, I know I had a subaru, 3 timing belt changes in 206,000 miles.