While this whole thread started I was out of town on a camping trip, I didn't want to chime in until I got home (didn't want to jinx myself) but my '85 poptop Weekender auto/ps/a/c with 146K miles did just beautifully. I've only owned her a little over two years, and while I don't know her complete history, I do know the PO was going broke trying to keep her alive. He was getting raped by a VW "specialty shop" because he knew NOTHING about cars. Thats how I came to own her. I assume the 1.9 is the original one, but don't know for sure. When I bought the van it barely ran and brake pedal went all the way to the floor. The PO had just spent $800.00 on it, for what I don't know. It was running on three cylinders (bad plug wire) and had almost no exhaust system left. Yet I paid $3,100.00 for her. Interior was trashed but the body was in good shape with little rust. I probably have 5k in the van at this point and it now runs (and stops) fine. On my trip I cruised at 65 mph with no problems, and had to watch myself as I kept creeping up to 70+ at times. It never missed a beat all weekend in over 600 miles. I've never done a compression test on the engine, and probably never will. It leaks almost no oil. In cold weather the right cylinder head weeps a bit of coolant. But other than these few minor quirks, it has been very reliable. I dream of Subaru and Zetec and VW in line conversions. A few years ago Hans of Vanaru let me drive a 2.5 Subie Westy and it was nothing short of amazing. But, if it wasn't for the fact that I want to tow my motorcycle on a trailer behind my Westy I wouldn't need that kind of power! Still, it was SWEET! As for the $20K van, I may end up there someday, but price a Road Trek or Sportsmobile van! 20 grand is cheap! Plus, on my trip I got so many waves, thumbs up, and in a traffic back up a couple of conversations with other drivers about my Westy that I was really glad I was driving my Westy! 

Jeff Stewart