Robert Keezer said:
> The Vanagon is not designed for high speed driving and lacks the
> additional
> safety features such as airbags and ABS brakes.

Ah, Robert, lighten up.  The Vanagon is designed by Germans for Germans
and uses a robust utility chassis which is much tougher than Vanagon's
boxy exterior, or their American owners, might suggest.  My first
experience in Vanagon was doing 145 km/h with 9 people and their luggage
on board.  The year was 1981, the country was Austria, and the Vanagon was
a 1980 model.

The problem with our Vanagons is not their design but their age.  They are
suffering from a middle-age crisis, becoming worn out, loose, noisy and
out of shape.  A well-maintained stock Vanagon with its innards in good
working order is a wonderful beast.

Chris S.
'85 Westy <-- stock
'01 NB TDI