It was one year ago today that I purchased my first Vanagon:  a 1987
Syncro Westfalia with 198,741 km.  The engine and transmission had been
rebuilt by the previous owner.

I immediately completed some basic work that seemed appropriate for any
recently purchased 15 year old vehicle:

New plugs, distributor cap, rotor, and wires
New O2 sensor
Cleaned all grounds
Set timing
New drive belts
New rear CV boots
Changed transmission fluid to Redline (much easier shifting, especially
when very cold, i.e.  -30)
New air filter
Changed fuel filter

Based on what the P.O. had told me I also replaced the cooling fan switch,
thermostat, and throttle cable.

I initially had some high idle problems that were quickly fixed with a new
Temp2 sensor and a new throttle position switch.  Also within the first
month I replaced the coolant reservoir (hairline crack) and the rear
heater core.

Over the year I put 21,136 km on the van and used 2,942 L of gasoline for
an average of 13.9 L/100 km (16.9 USMPG); a best of 11.2 L/100 km (21
USGPM) during easy summer highway driving and a worst of 17.6 L/100 km
(13.4 USMPG) during short stop-and-go trips at -30 degrees.

Repairs over the year included the fresh-air fan switch, the headlight
switch, the exhaust system, new rear brake drums, and a new rear wheel
cylinder.  So, a few little things needed attention, but nothing
extraordinary for a used vehicle.  The van has been my daily driver and
has not once left me stranded or required any mechanical work while
travelling.

For this year the van should only require a spring tune-up, and hopefully
I'll get around to installing headlight relays and new fuel lines (sooner
than later!).

Overall I am very happy with the van and it has proven to be nearly the
ideal vehicle for me and my family.  I'm looking forward to many more
years of enjoyment!

Kevin McLean
Calgary, AB