I cannot think of everything, but based on my years with my own Vanagon,
plus the rest of the list, we can come up with a comprehensive list.  After
all, we must have at least a half million years experience combined!!!

Here goes my contribution

____    Coolant leaks, especially at heads, beneath engine and at water pump

____     Lifter noise not present when running, or after running.

____    Rust free at seams

____    Check all hoses that carry coolant, bend the small hoses, check for
cracks.

____    Exhaust system intact, muffler free of leaks, rust, no leaks at all
gasket sites.

____    Muffler mounting bracket intact, muffler straps intact.

____    Check tyres for signs of steering suspension wear.

____    Valve covers free of oil leaks

____    (Auto trans)  Transmission free of leaks.  Fluid is at proper level,
red in colour, no "burnt smell" of fluid.  Check carefully between the to
transmission and final drive.  The final drive is full of gear oil and the
two chambers should never communicate fluid.  Check for fluid leaks at
torque converter.

____    Run a "CarFax" to be sure the Vanagon has never been a salvage.

____    Check Fuel lines, especially in engine box.  The fuel line comes
through the fire wall, to a pressure regulator, then bifurcates to the fuel
rails.  They are subject to breakdown and pose a risk to fire (been there,
done that).

Of course there is more, I just thought back over the past 12 years I had my
Vanagon, and recalled the "times it could no longer move under its own
power."

Tim
1990 Vanagon GL
Barnegat, New Jersey, where we drive on parkways and park on driveways!!!!
(except on weekends, we park on parkways then too)