A few days ago I inquired about plug change interval.  Well, I just pulled
the plugs out of my inline four VW 1.8liter after a year and about 20k
miles.  They looked great, a nice clean dry light tan color, all pretty much
alike.  But the gap had grown from 30 to almost 45.  I gave em a quick brush
with a wire brush and re-gapped em back to 30 and the lil Mouse motor is
very happy.  That plus a new air filter element, an oil filter and change
and some application of Wurth lube to all the shift linkage and the
suspension bushings and ball joints. Fuel filter, too. and some Redline
MT-90 "in the mail" for the 5sp tranny..
    It is like having a brand new van...well,almost.... 'cept for all the
dog hair and the rear seat cover (mexican blanket)...
    I am still getting around 24mpg (average) with my normal load aboard,
when I keep my speed below 70mph.  I am leaking a little oil from around the
diesel sump pan gasket but not enough to bother me..maybe 1/2 qt every
thousand miles.  My odo did just pass 300,000 miles.
 I don't see any new model vehicle (of a similar type)  that I would want in
place of my Vanagon..  I might trade for a fancy smancy Subie-powered
Syncro..but you can keep your Sprinters and your Minivans...
    Don Hanson