There are a lot of factors than fuel mileage to be considered in the value
of a car. Compared to a $20K + new vehicle, you spend nothing on
depreciation, for example. Registration costs almost nothing--I just paid
$59 in California. And of course you don't have to worry about speeding
tickets. In a purely economic and not carbon sense, these cars get better
mileage than new Jettas.

As new cars become duller and costlier, the market for older cars with
character and with a following will expand. Which is a better deal--a new VW
for, say, $25K, or a restored 1965 Alfa spider? Hands down, the Alfa, which
will never need smog, will appreciate in value, and which probably burns
less fuel. If you think they cost a lot in maintenance, try spending $900 on
a required 15K service from the dealer...Same could be said about 356s,
911s, MGTD's, 1950's Jags, XKE's, Austin Healy's, and a few other "classic
cars." Ultimately they're cheaper to own when you factor in depreciation,
dealer services, sales tax, and all the rest. And you get a car with
character. Hopefully that will be the case with the Vanagons. They do have
character.