Even the original new engines commonly had a short life in 1982 Diesel
Vanagons. Rebuilds seldom last as long as the factory new engine did.
Whether the engines or the drivers are more to blame, who can say? It is
a rare person who can live with the meager performance of the 82 1.6 NA
and keep it running a long time.

Later VW diesel engines are more reliable in my opinion. The turbo
diesel 1.6 as well as any of the 1.9 diesel family are inherently
stronger engines and much more satisfying to own. All this assumes
proper installation followed with diligent care by the owner.

Mark

Edward Duntz wrote:
> 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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