I'm with Casey on this one. The autos were as bad as the ones found in the Golfs, Jettas, & Passats. Costs $3500-$4500 to repair on a van which is typically worth $3,500 in near perfect condition (California prices).

They are comfortable highway cruisers. You feel less undulations because of the longer wheelbase. Understeer is very pronounced compared to a Vanagon. To me, it feels very "chunky" to drive even at slow speeds. The dash looms large compared to Vanagon. I've driven '93's, '95's, and '03's. The longer wheelbase versions available in other markets are even worse handlers. 

If you stay on asphalt the majority of the time, the Eurovan can be very appealing. If venture off the pavement beyond flat, smooth campgrounds, I would try to find a T4 Syncro or convert a 2wd Eurovan. But prices for one in the US would be about as much as a much more capable offroader in the form of the T3 (Vanagon) Syncro. 

And on the topic of conversions, Greaseworks converts the manuals to TDI's and offers Syncro conversion services too. In other markets Singlecab and Doublecab bodies are available. I've seen some converted for vehicle transport. They are normally FWD so extending the wheelbase for installation of a carrier deck is much simpler than a Vanagon. Oh yeah, outside of the US, diesel Eurovans are quite common.

BenT

sent from my electronic leash

On May 21, 2012, at 12:15 PM, Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> I've been led to believe that the trans problems were associated with the
> automagics, and that the 5speeds with the inline fivers were a nice
> reliable combo.