From today's WSJ:
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Q: My daughter graduates from college in two weeks. Her plan is to purchase a VW Westfalia and tour the country before entering graduate school next year. What can you say about the dependability of these vehicles? 

-Michael Miraglia, Trumbull, Conn.
A: Anyone who says the spirit of adventure is dead should chat with your daughter. Then you should have a heart-to-heart chat with her about the ups and downs of traveling long distances in a quirky old van.

The Westfalia Volkswagen vans, which are specially outfitted for camping road trips, are classics that generally do their job well. But remember that whatever model year vehicle she is talking about will be at least 10 to 20 years old. Such vehicles have to be looked after closely and can be extremely needy compared with modern vehicles.

Of course, the trip will be especially memorable and may have more character-building potential in the vintage Volkswagen. If your daughter is truly game, she should find a good mechanic who knows the Westfalia Volkswagen vehicle well and can get it ready for the long trip. She should also link up with the big owner's group at www.westfalia.org

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I've written the author of the article to alert him of the site reference error.

Tom Young