I was 21 when i bought my current van (an 85 Westfalia GL in 1993).  I
drove it with two friends from Winnipeg to Alaska.  At the time it had
80k km.  It made it, but if there were any problems I honestly
wouldn't have known what to do.  And I was probably pretty far away
from anyone qualified to fix it.  I should add that in the middle of
nowhere I heard the dreaded popping coming from the right rear wheel,
and made it 400km on a gravel road to civilization to have the cv
joint replaced.  Ignorance was bliss, in my case.

I generally budget an extra day on a two week trip just in case
something breaks down.  I've maintained the vehicle very well, and get
it inspected before i leave, but it's just the nature of a vehicle
that age that something may break down.

A rental car might cost more, but will get twice the gas mileage.  It
may cost a little bit more money but what's an extra night in a hotel
worth?

Sorry to be a bummer - i always plan for the worst.  Most of the time
I end up pleasantly surprised but what can i say.

Good luck!
Jeff

On 27-Feb-09, at 7:49 AM, Michael Sullivan wrote:

> Ok, Happy Frydaye.  My 91GL is in darn good shape.  I have never
> driven it
> more than 300 miles at a time and my kid(20 yr old) wants to take it
> to
> Florida from Texas for Spring Break with five other friends.. All fuel
> lines, tires and belts are new.  Got back up belts, oil cooler seal,
> plugs,
> anti-freeze, fire extinguisher and brand new spare.
> Aside from the dumb-ass quotient and the 'I'm on Spring Break and
> gotta
> vomit' issue, does anyone have an opinion? They don't want to spend $
> $ to
> rent a vehicle and I will have it detailed and oil changed when they
> return,
> but I am worried of mechanical issues that would leave my van stuck
> in FL.
> I've told him NO, but re-thinking it.  Would like to have Rescue squad
> contacts and good shops in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida noted just in
> case.
> He's driven the van about town alot and never a problem.
> I would go with him, but all those young uns would drag me down.
> heheheh
> Opinions welcomed. Thanks.
>
> --
> Michael in San Antonio
> 91GL AT 'Gringo'