I own a 85 Vanagon, like it because, in my mind, its simplier that the 86+
models but with an inferior water pump/water tubes/etc. but I'm  not one to
worry over the power/looks, I just want dependability and simplicity.

Anyway I think the used parts for the 83-85 are cheaper also.....

More miles for the money in my book....but w/ an improvement over the air
cooled campers....

Larry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joseph Fortino" <fortino1@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 1:00 PM
Subject: Re: Best Year Vanagon

> I love my 85gl :)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> >From: Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
> >Sent: Nov 19, 2007 9:41 AM
> >To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >Subject: Re: Best Year Vanagon
> >
> >RE: Best Year
> >As with most of the other answers you will get my experience is
anecdotal,
> >based only on my experience.  I've put about the same time/miles on two
> >Westfalias, an '85 and a '90.  The '90 has been, for me, a great
improvement
> >over the '85.  A little more power, much more relaiable, and a much
better
> >driving vehicle.  I'll qualify my answer by adding that if I had known as
> >much about the Vanagon when owning the '85 as I do now with the '90 I
might
> >have had the '85 driving as nice as the '90.  But the engine, brake, and
> >suspension changes in '86 and on were improvements.  If I had to replace
the
> >'90 I'd only look for an '87 on.
>
>
> Kind Regards,
> Joseph Fortino
> fortino1@earthlink.net
> yahoo mobile mail account: love2bike140@yahoo.com
> IM: love2bike1414@yahoo.com
>
> Have a Great Day!