Mike, I have owned two Vanagons since 1990, when I bought my first one.
After some initial fixing on each one, and in one case a major engine
overhaul, both vehicles were extremely reliable, and served admirably as
my daily drivers then and now. One must keep in mind that even the
newest Vanagon is now 12 years old, an ongoing maintenance is going to
be part of living with these machines. But, like our own bodies, good
preventive maintenance applied regularly will resolve most issues and
keep your Vanagon or Westy rolling reliably most of the time. ALL
vehicles, like us as well,  have those unexpected moments of downtime,
from new Caddilacs all the way down. Just part of ownership of a
machine. Also like us, the Vanagons are a bit more twitchy because of
their age. As for me, I wouldn't have anything else, and I'm willing to
put up with the extra maintenance just to have it and use it.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Mike B wrote:

>Thanks to everyone for all replies.  Mainly people said Vanagons are cheaper
>on the east coast then the west coast and that an 86-92 Westy in good shape
>will fetch at least $5,000 on up to about $14,000.
>
>I also received mail saying that if I need a reliable driver to steer clear
>of the Vanagon because they always need constant repairs that are pricey.  I
>have heard that before about Volkswagen in general, but I still love the
>Vdubs (I have a '75 custom beetle at home, and sold a'99.5 Golf TDI, '91
>Golf GL, and an 86 Golf GL before moving to the Caribbean).
>
>I have read the pages on shopping for a Vanagon, so I do know what to look
>for as far as big ticket repairs go.  That is also why I am staying away
>from Syncros.  I would love one, but it is another think to break or go
>wrong (a high school buddy had a 3.2L Porsche powered Vanagon Syncro camper
>that was a blast)
>
>Thanks again everyone.
>
>Mike
>
>
>