In a message dated 8/12/04 1:59:14 AM, rrecardo@WEBTV.NET writes:

<< This is an interesting posting.
I find the Vanagons, not only labor intense, but much higher in
maintenance costs, and at a much more frequent interval than let's say a
85 to 91 Chevy Van. ( and I'm only using this as an example, it could be
a Dodge, or a Ford too.)
There is nothing that is supplied from any VW parts department, or even
a internet vendor  that sells Vanagon parts that can come close to the
inexpensive, prices for replacement parts.
I was just curious, where did the thought that Vanagons are inexpensive,
or the spares to keep them functioning are cheap, and this is why
perspective buyer's purchase them?
I don't find this to be true at all.
They are primarily purchased for their unique flavor, and versatility.
But mile for mile they seem to require much more than any domestic
vehicle would in repairs needed in maintenance, and over inflated cost
for parts.
Therefore, I disagree with this initial statement.
Sorry.

RC >>

RC, dear boy, you have ***no*** reason to apologize for what is the
***most*** honest, ***most*** well-reasoned and ***most*** intelligent insight
regarding Vanagon ownership that I have ever read on this mailing list.  My Sincro
eats money like my dear friend Thorsen eats lutefisk!!!  It never, ever stops!!!

The expense of a Vanagon is bad enough, but the truly depressing situation is
to find that some tedious, picayune part has broken, is ***not*** in stock
and the van will not even ***budge*** without it.  Then, when the part finally
does arrive, it takes all week for your mechanic to replace it.

Years ago, whenever Road and Track magazine published one of their
anniversary issues, there was a poll conducted among their editors to determine the
***best*** car of all time.  These intelligent and experienced men who had driven
everything from a Maserati 450s coupe to a Mercedes 500 chose (of ***all***
things!!!) a Chevrolet Impala, V-8, automatic equipped with a police handling
package as ***the*** ideal vehicle.

I want VW Impala!!!

Pinky