My mostly love relationship with VW vans began about 30 years ago. I
have owned at least one driver van that whole time and have lost count
of exactly how many it has been, many running and others not. From
splities to loafs to Vanagons, 40? 50? more?  The notion that any of the
various engines and models are paragons of perfection is quite a
stretch. All are capable haulers of their time and most are able to last
a long while if given reasonable care and understanding.

30 years, over 1/2 million miles? With all the repairs I have done over
that time, I still love them.  Which do I think are the best? That
depends. There is no denying that almost every aspect of the vehicle
improved in steps large and small over the years. That being the case,
the newer are generally better than the older. In completely stock form,
I would shy away from aircooled other than the very sweet 76-78.

  If someone were to offer me a choice brand new 1966 split window for
free or a brand new 1976 loaf for $5000, with the understanding that I
had to use my choice in stock form as my primary vehicle for the next 5
years, I would pony up the $5000.

Given the same choice between a new free 1976 or a new $5000 1986, I
would have to ask what colors to be sure but otherwise would again cough
up the dough.

Specific years and models had specific weaknesses and strengths. My year
options above are all some of the better years of their class. Given
certain close other years to choose between would reverse my newer year
preference. I would take a new 78 Westy over any new 82 Westy, air or
diesel, but not over an 83 water or diesel.

I would take a new 87+ Syncro passenger model for $5000 over ANY other
2wd passenger model for free, but that passes mere love toward obsession.

Mark

currently driving around one or the other of:
82 Westy 1.9TD
83 Stretched Syncro 1.9TD
87 Syncro Camper 5 Cylinder Audi
87 Syncro passenger cream puff
88 2wd hauler