My '85 Vanagon is doing pretty well now.  I'll bet I don't put more that
2,500 miles a year on it.  It's last big trip was the 900 mile drive from
Atlanta to Iowa City where I live now.  The van did great on that drive
despite the fact that this particular weekend was the hottest of the year in
the Midwest--108 degrees when I pulled into Keokuk, Iowa.

I drive the thing very gently and maintenance is strictly adhered to.  I'm
pretty sure it was badly abused before it came to me, but physically it was
still in pretty good shape.  I'm planning on hanging on to the car for the
rest of my life.  But one day, it won't be sitting next to another VW in my
driveway.

DB

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <j_rodgers@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2003 8:28 AM
Subject: Re: gutless AND unreliable...(C'mon Volkswagen!!)

> How does your 85 GL perform?
>
> I had an 85 GL for several years. Drove the snot out of it. Had 205,000
> miles on the original engine when I sold it and it was running strong.
> Only big things in the beginning were a power steering rack rebuild and
> a power steering pump replacement. After that just routine maintenance.
> I consider brake jobs, wheel bearing repacks/replacements, tune-ups, etc
> to be routine. The van is a machine and movable parts wear. I did have
> the tranny rebuilt at 200,000 miles. I have at times wished I still had
> that van.