---- David M <covrambles@YAHOO.COM> wrote: 
> Here's what I'd like to improve on the Vanagon:
> Better lights - they are pathetic
> Better brakes
> Much better fuel consumption (14 mpg from a 2.1L is truly awful)
> Thats about it, otherwise its damn near perfect.

Why do you only get 14 mpg?  With my 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Campmobile, 2.1 L Waterboxer, I get 18 - 22 mpg depending on conditions (wind is worst, whether head or side, freeway is worse than side roads).  I don't drive it enough in town for that to matter, but if I use half a tank that way, it usually works out to about 16-17 mpg.  When on the highway I usually have it loaded with camping and traveling gear, and have a passenger.  I use air conditioning if warranted.

mcneely
> 
> PS. I don't pay anything extra to be cool - I'm just naturally that way.
> 
> -David ('87 Wolfsburg)
> 
> 
> --- On Fri, 12/30/11, Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> From: Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: The Price We Pay For Being "Cool"
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Friday, December 30, 2011, 12:41 PM
> 
> I'm in Dave's camp on this one too.   If there were such a vehicle with
> similar
> practical features, I'd get one assuming it was reasonably priced.
> Especially
> if it were equipped with an engine more powerful e.g. hybrid/gas or
> diesel.   There
> just isn't a viable alternative made yet...   unfortunately.
> 
> Ditto on the good sentiments of the list folks....
> 
> Steven
> 91 Westy
> 
> On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 8:53 AM, Joy Hecht <jhecht@alum.mit.edu> wrote:
> 
> > On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 12:27 PM, Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@cox.net> wrote:
> >
> > > I don't have a VW camper because others think it is "cool," or because I
> > > do.  I have it because it is a tool to make camping practical for an
> > aging,
> > > crusty old nut and a not always well wife.  It is that simple, and if
> > there
> > > were a comparable, but more reliable vehicle, I would have that.  I also
> > > would not bother myself with whether it was a VW, a Ford, a Toyota, or
> > > whatever.  In fact, being a long-time anti-cool curmudgeon, a Toyota
> > would
> > > likely be more fitting to my tastes.
> > >
> >
> > Interesting.  If there were an equivalent vehicle but more reliable,
> > available at the same price, I suppose might go with it too, just because I
> > am so useless at repairs.
> >
> > But frankly, one of the big reasons I wouldn't want to change brands is
> > because of all you folks out there.  Being part of the vanagon community
> > made living in my van a totally different experience from simply being on
> > the road.  I didn't know about the vanagon community when I got my van, but
> > realizing that I'd become part of this group of people, and wanting to stay
> > part of this group, is a big reason why I stick with my van now despite all
> > the problems.
> >
> > I don't mean to sound sappy - but it's true!  So thanks, guys.
> >
> >
> >
> > Joy
> >

--
David McNeely