Does anyone know the original EPA estimates for the Vanagon? Most
everyone knows that the numbers were laughingly optimistic.

In 2008 the EPA will be publishing numbers which are meant to better
reflect real usage. I don't know how true this is.

fueleconomy.gov has published Vanagon fuel economy estimates going back
to 1985 which have been revised to be comparable to the 2008 mpg
estimates, making them lower, probably more realistic -- and not much
different that what I'm getting with my 84 automatic 1.9L (I get 15.5
mpg on the highway).

While they don't list the 1984 model, they do list the 1985, which is
probably close enough:

1985 Vanagon 2WD, 1.9L, auto: 15 mpg city, 17 mpg highway.
1985 Vanagon 2WD, 1.9L, manual: 16 mpg city, 18 mpg highway.
or (depending one which ratings you read)
1985 Vanagon 2WD, 1.9L, auto: 14 mpg city, 17 mpg highway.
1985 Vanagon 2WD, 1.9L, manual: 15 mpg city, 18 mpg highway.

In response to my inquiry yesterday, others have reported mileage better
than this -- maybe even higher than the original EPA numbers!

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR