>Am I crazy to be buying this thing with the expectation that it will take
>me, the wife, and two kids on a 8,000-mile plus tour of the east coast and
>Canada?

Bob,

No you are not crazy *IF* you/a professional have thoroughly inspected
the vehicle, have corrected any deficiencies, and are prepared for the
small emergencies (that could could happen to *ANY* vehicle) with tools
and basic supplies.  I certainly wouldn't head out on an 8,000 mile
journey in a vehicle I didn't feel comfortable with - I took plenty of
trips "on a wing and a prayer" in my youth, no longer.

My wife and I took a 6,000+ mile tour two Summers ago that was
essentially trouble free.  I did replace the fuel filter in a campground
in the Black Hills one morning, a fifteen minute job including cleanup,
and no I didn't have one with me (I do now!) but the local NAPA got one
overnight *AND* pointed toward the best campground of the trip in a
secluded red rock canyon with a great swimming lake.  So even if a minor
or major adversity befalls your trip, it can often be turned into an
opportunity!

It is better to try and fail than to fail to try!  Go for it!

Best wishes,

Tony

Anthony L. Mourkas
Hampden, Maine, USA
1984   Vanagon Westfalia    "Gertrude"
1986.5 Quantum Syncro Wagon "Wolfgang"
1991   Jetta Eco Diesel     "Liesel"