Comparing to a 2001 Passat that I currently own in my opinion the Passat
is a far more difficult vehicle to own despite that it is only 8 years
old. The first time when the check engine light came on I could never
solve it myself. Eventually it was fixed by a dealer under warranty
by reprogramming the ECU. That's something I will never be able to do
myself. That was almost 5 years ago. It just got a smog check yesterday
and it passed thanks god.

I know next time when the check engine light comes one again either
it will break my bank or I have to give it up. I was told it would cost
me $3k to replace both catalytic converters. The market of a used 2001
Passat is no more than $5k. I can not imagine how in the world I have
kept my Vanagon for 25 years. The only answer to this is there is no
such a thing as Vanagon difficulty for the 25 years passed. My total
cost of owning it for 25 years excluding oil and gas is less than $1k
per year. So to me there is really no such a thing as Vanagon difficulty.

I remember been warned by someone that the wasser boxer engine is
so unreliable that a trip to Yosemite will break it. Well, In the past
several years I have driven my Vanagon to Yosemite something like 5 times
a year. I am totally confident that the engine is in fact incredibly
rugged and reliable.

David