it's not that the basic engine is weak..
some parts are though, like the just-mentioned exhaust manifold.

plus they just suck to work on for many jobs.
Not bad  that  when you're used to them probably, working on them.

the automatic transmissions a fail and suffer *failures* ..not 'fails' .
And they are very expensive to replace.

I wouldn't take a running decent one free..
to give you an idea of my take on them.
they get electronic glitches too ..

  a waterboxer vanagon is a sweet thing compared to any Eurovan.

the later  VR6  Eurovans  ...it's got your ever-popluar sealed automatic
transmission ..
can't even check or add trans fluid.

The VR6 engines can have expensive timing chain issues.

Look at it this way ..
by not owning one you will automatically save yourself 10 to 15,000
dollars over a 5 year period of ( non- )  ownership.

On 2/4/2014 6:35 PM, Stuart MacMillan wrote:
> How much?  If it's under $10k, in good condition and has decent maintenance
> records it might be okay. I don't know much about that engine, but IRRC it's
> a Mexican made version of the Audi engine.  I'd look into parts and rebuild
> costs, that can be a problem with one-off engines and transmissions. Just
> stay away from the automatic EVCs unless you are rich.
>
> Volkswagen seems to follow a pattern with new van models.  Introduce the
> line with an obsolete engine, then make a decent one, and finally up the
> horsepower for the final version.  I.e., Vanagon: 2.0l air cooled, 1.9l
> water cooled, 2.1l final version. Eurovan: 5 cyl, VR-6 165 hp, then VR-6
> 200+ hp.
>
> Also, I like the Vanagon.com list better than I liked the EV_Update list!
> ;-)
>
> Stuart
> '84 Westy, '96 EVC, now back to an '85 Westy.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> Jim Felder
> Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2014 5:45 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: 1993 Eurovan with 127,000 miles: yes or no
>
> 5 cylinder 5 speed. Looks nice. What say ye?
>
> Jim
>