Hello all knowing Vanagon group......(I am always amazed at knowledge base of this extended group....)

I have owned a 1985 Vanagon 1/2 camper for years and always thought this older model water cooled Vanagon might have a 
more simply, more reliable service life experience than the newer 86-91 Vanagons (based on the # of FI entries/? on the list - 83-85 vs. 86-91?). 
Any truth to that idea (that the FI system of the older 83-85 water cooled Vanagon is "more reliable" than the later 86-91 FI system?).

I have had excellant service from my 1985 1/2 Camper but I am considering "upgrading" to a 86-91 Vanagon in order that my wife
would drive this updated vanagon w/ its auto. trans. and better interior.  Couple of model / year type ?'s:
    
    -what is the upside of upgrading to a 86-91 Vanagon other than its superior water pump layout, auto. trans.
    (what are the reliability "thoughts" on this superior more complex auto. vs. manual transmissions common to the 86-91 vans?), and 
    superior (more modern) interiors common to the 86-91 models over the 83-85 models.
   
    -If I purchase auto. trans. which is the (1) life expectancy of such units (mileage) and (2) what are common rebuilding cost for auto. trans. on the 86-91 vanagon.

    -What is a  good source for getting a Vanagon auto. trans. rebuilt in the SE USA area?
    
    -Any "$ issues" on the 86-91 Vanagons that I've not had to deal with on the older 83-85 Vanagons?

Last ?, what happens to a auto. trans. Vanagon if towed incorrectly with the rear wheels on the ground (say of a tow dolly) for 200 miles (this occured on a recent E-bay auto. trans. Vanagon auction and curious minds want to know......).

Thanks for advance for advice......sorry for mulitple ? but that's where I am at in this decision making process (Stay w/ 85 model with its round highlights, manual trans. and slightly "simply" interior or attempt to "upgrade" to a 86-91 model in an attempt to gain this three items (interior, exterior, and auto. trans.).

Larry 
Georgia