This thread, and the one about parts availability have convinced me.
The biggest attraction of vanagons to most of the people who frequent
this list is their difficulty.  Most folks want a vehicle that seldom or
never needs repair -- like the Toyota pickup that I drove for 289k
miles, or the Honda Accord that my wife drives now, with 198k miles.
Neither vehicle ever needed anything other than normal wear items, parts
were available from any source, and almost anyone could do the repairs.

Vanagons are constantly breaking, in ways that imagination could never
visualize, parts are hard to come by and inordinately expensive, and
most mechanics haven't a clue.  But, some folks like things that way,
especially since they may feel superior since they do the work
themselves.  I'd rather have a trouble-free vehicle, and spend my time
enjoying the out of doors.

I own a '91 Vanagon GL Campmobile.  Currently getting cooling system,
oil system, and air flow system repairs.

BTW, for those who may recall, I had a new radiator put on, and my fan
went out at the shop.  The tech claimed no responsibility -- but, I
learned last eveneing that the post for the hot wire on the motor was
broken.  Nothing wrong with the fan itself.  The break seemed to be the
result of someone twisting the post while fastening a lead to it.  When
I get the van back from the shop I took it to and where this was
discovered, I plan to revisit the tech, invoice in hand.  Hmmmmmm
.............. .

Dave Mc