While there are many Diesel die hard fans that claim 200k miles and 30
mpg, those really are exceptions. Yes possible but not the norm.

My experience with the Diesles in Vanagons has been that they will break
before a normal wear out. Cracked heads, blown head gaskets, broken rings
and bent rods have been common occurrences.  I have also seen these
failures in the passenger cars. In my experience, the early diesels can
start showing signs of fatigue after 150K or so. Since I had a gas Jetta
go over 300K, I do not see the Diesel as being a super long life
alternative.

Acquiring another vehicle with purchase, maintenance, and insurance costs
to save a bit on fuel does not make financial sense. Maybe if you were to
consider replacing your van and then changing to this. If you major goal
is reducing the overall cost per mile, than maybe it is time to get out of
Vanagon land.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Edward Duntz
Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 8:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: diesel rebuild every 50K miles?

I've really got to talk myself out of an '82 diesel Vanagon. One of the
ones that I'm looking at has had several rebuilds in its lifetime, like
three or four. I really don't want to bu a vehicle that I'm going to have
to spend another few grand on in two years.

How long have owners of 1.6 NA diesels typically gone between rebuilds?
They seem to last well over 200K in a Rabbit, Golf, or Jetta. I know the
Vanagon makes the engine work so much harder, but how long can I expect
out of it?

Thanks,
Ed
PS. If someone finds me a nice Golf or Jetta diesel with little rust
within 300 miles of CT, I can stop posting all these diesel Vanagon
questions! Thanks again.
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