Interesting thread.

I traded my bachelor 'new car', a 72 Olds Cutlass Supreme, for a used 70
Westfalia camper in about 1975.  We were young then, toured the country,
used that vehicle like it was intended.  I traded up for an '80 Vanagon
camper and drove it for 10 years or so (There was a brief hiatus when I
drove a non-westy vehicle).  My wife found our current 88 Westy in the local
newspaper maybe 10 years ago.  I guess I'm imprinted.  I just like the
vehicle.  We camp maybe once or twice a year and I ride nice and high all
year with it as my daily driver.  I have no desire for a new vehicle (I'd
secretly like a Syncro).  I'm an 'analytical'; I support computers for a
living and am fortunate to have a local shop whose owner has more Vanagons
around his shop yard than I see in several month (most are his).  I value
'the list' and its wisdom.

In some ways I feel sorry for those younger folks who are suckered into the
media blitz which implores that you buy the latest and greatest.  It's a
powerful pull.  If someone totaled my van tomorrow (not me of course),  I'd
be out trolling eBay and Samba looking for a 'new one'.  Maybe I'd get my
Syncro!

John Graham
88 Westy - non-Syncro
Charlotte, NC