I know a woman whom had a `83 - `85 (not sure exact year) Civic that after she was done with it passed it along to her daughter.  The daughter finally killed it around 600,000 miles and it had the original clutch.  I also came across a posting once for a `79 Civic that went 979,000 miles.  Not sure which was more impressive, that the car went that far or that someone drove it the distance.

Our `87 Westy Syncro was towed once when the alternator died on I-5 near Tacoma, the trip was delayed 5 days later in Whitehorse when the clutch started slipping.  Did not have it towed then but would have need to had we not stayed for three days(Friday night - Monday evening) to have a clutch shipped in and installed.  The drive home from Whitehorse is 730 miles and includes a couple of mountain passes, we would not have made it on our clutch  A front outer CV joint exploded pulling to a campsite on evening, I pulled the remaining pieces and the driveline and we were mobile in about an hour.  No other failures on the road but I make sure the van is inspected every Spring and before any long road trips.

The key to longevity is maintenance.

Mark in AK

----- Original Message -----
From: VW Doka <vw.doka@GMAIL.COM>
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2009 11:41 am
Subject: Re: vanagon difficulty
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> Not sure where you live, but in Northern California, I sure don't see
> many mid-80s Japanese vehicles.
>
> IMO, mid-80s Japanese vehicles weren't the greatest feats of
> engineering.  Late '80s and beyond were quite excellent, but before
> that... fagettaboutit...
>
> As for getting stuck... 17 years and counting... never needed a tow.
>
> Ran out of gas a few times.  Needed a few jump starts.  Even had to
> replace a water hose once.  But, I've never need a tow...
>
> Can't say that about the Camry the wife used to drive, or the mid-80's
> Civic I had.
>
> Everyone has different experiences, and generally, you'll hear about
> the bad ones far more often than the good ones.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jeff
>