>> How much do you volks spent in the thing to keep it up over 20 years? <<

Good question.  My 83.5 was a daily driver for the first 5 years. I've had
it for 11.  Paid $3,500 for it with a new motor and paint job.  The only
money I spent during that time was regular maintenance, $500 towards
attempts at getting the AC to work, $700 Propex and $500 to fix the sliding
door once.  (I have the smoothest sliding door on the list BTW :) ) It was
rarely driven the following 4 years. Probably just did oil changes, tune-ups
and tires. I have probably spent $5,000 on this year though. This is a
combination of repairs that probably should have been done over the idle
years plus allot of "cool" stuff, awning, SA front Grill, "new" 84 Wolfsburg
interior, etc.  I got the van with 106K mikes and it now has 176K.

Had I sold it prior to this year it probably was the least expensive car
I've ever driven. Even after this years expenditures I still think I'm out
ahead. :)

Thankfully I was never one to buy a '91 for $15K then have the engine blow a
week later then have the new engine push the transmission over the edge a
month after that. :)

Bryan