Short answer, Yes.  This is why autos are in such poor shape these days (and
also why you can get a good deal on many).  Disposable (d-evolving) society.

On Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 8:32 AM, Jake de Villiers <
crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com> wrote:

> The short answer is 'Yes' !
>
> My kids are revered as mechanical geniuses among their peers though neither
> are qualified mechanics.  They do have the chops to re-do their own brakes
> and shocks (and bulbs) but most of today's privileged kids think that
> 'maintenance' is putting the car through the local car wash.
>
> On Thu, Aug 14, 2008 at 8:24 AM, Ed Lloyd <elloyd10@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > I too have been living the Vanagon Experience during my 20+ years of
> > driving my 87 Westy, and before that a 76 Westy.
> >
> > My daughter just bought a sporty little 20004 Mazda 3, and I looked into
> > the Driver's Manual, and did a double take on this:
> >
> > "Front Turn Signal Lights - Due to the complexity and difficulty of the
> > procedure, the bulbs should be replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer."
> >
> > Same for the Fog lights, and side marker lights.  They do show pictures
> and
> > procedures, which amount to unscrewing the plastic housings and gently
> > twisting and pulling out the bulbs.  Installation is the reverse.
> >
> > Low beam Xenon bulb may be more of a problem.  "You cannot replace the
> low
> > beam bulbs by yourself.  Must be replaced at an Authorized Dealer."  OK,
> > there may be some high voltage and disposal risk here.
> >
> > Oil change, and perhaps Air Filter, and that is the complete list of what
> > an owner can do by themselves!  Everything else is Dealer.
> >
> > I also noted that the Windshield washer reservoir has a light on the dash
> > board to tell you when the washer fluid is low.  I have never found this
> to
> > be a problem in my Vanagon.  When it starts to dribble out, then you just
> > add more!
> >
> > this is a sporty car for young people, not a big "Luxury" car for
> pampered
> > fat cats.  Her friends all seem to know how to work the CD player and
> > electronic gadgets installed, but seem clueless about the mechanicals.
> >
> > End of Rant by crusty old guy.
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Jake
> 1984 Vanagon GL
> 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
> Crescent Beach, BC
> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27
>

--
Neil2
'82 Diesel Westfalia (Fwd Puke Qualified)
'86 Vanagon/Westfalia Wannabe (Savannah)
Nunquam Pendite Divendium