I agree - I'd rather drive my Vanagon than my New Beetle.  But the NB gets 50mpg and I have a long commute.  I'd also not hesitate to drive my van cross-country.  

>>> "G. Matthew Bulley" <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM> 07/30/02 02:16PM >>>
Our 1976 bus, into which we poured roughly $10k in restoration was still
in my humble opinion, a POS. We had replaced EVERY suspension part, had
load range D tires, and excellent shocks, and it still handled like a
greased pig.

We got in our Vanagon Westfalia for a test drive. The tires were
passenger-car tires, under-inflated, the shocks were dead, and the Westy
was some 800??lbs heavier than our loaf. It drove, comparably, like a
dream. We bought it on the spot.

Today, with new shocks, Agilis shoes, and an alignment, I think my
Vanagon is easier to drive than my Jetta. No kidding.

Developing business and guiding change since 1996,

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Marketing & Communications
Business: www.bulley-hewlett.com 
Phone: +1.919.658.1278