I just had to throw in my two cents.
Reliable Vanagons seem to be about as rare as people who smoke and live to be
85. Sure there are a FEW out there, but it is not the norm. Oh, and by the
way, things have not got much better over the years with VW reliability. I
own a New Beetle (at one time I owned two) and they are plagued with all the
same pain-in-the-A. problems. You would not believe the number of repairs I
have had with these "New" Volkswagens. Seems like when you buy a VW you need
to be prepared to make your car payment and set aside an equal amount each
month to keep the thing running.
That said, I still love the design, marketing, and drivability of VW products
(when they are running). It's just too bad that one of the largest auto
manufacturers in the world can't seem to make a reliable vehicle after all
these years.

Bryan Jones
'91 Westy
New Beetle
'63 356 Porsche