Ok, there has been enough talk on this subject to make me so totally
paranoid about driving this vehicle that I fear for my kid's lives!!!

First thing,

Is there an "official" set of hoses that can be replaced? I haven't
looked too far under the hatch to see just how long the lines are. From
what I saw, they had some pretty odd looking clamps on them...if an OEM
or better than OEM were available, I would want to buy those...

Second,

How often do these lines need to be replaced? I know that just because
mine has 143K on the clock and its new to me (put just about 1K miles on
her) I am inclined to change as much that should be replaced up
front....

Third,

How safe ARE these vehicles!?!??! According to that one web story (can't
believe everything you read I spose) the tow truck driver had picked up
3 in like one week!?!? Is it a ticking time bomb? Has VW said anything
about this?

Ok, rant over...I need someone to assure me that my new acquisition is
not going to torch my family...I am very willing to do the recommended
maintenance and believe it is the most important part of keeping any
vehicle safe...but I also wonder about these guys you hear about that
have never done an oil change, just add oil...never look at anything
under the hood and have 300K on the clock...how do they get away with
it!!?!??!?! (they must not have a vanagon...or jeep for what that's
worth)

Dave
85 Vanagon GL
85 Jeep XJ
86 Minnie Winnie
85 Pace Arrow
93 Ford E150