Richard... You were born in the same year as me and my first van is a 1974
air cooled barn door bus bought in 1978.

We looked into Sprinter but the price is a bit high after installing things
we like.

*"How to keep Vanagon reliable and strong, no matter where I travel in the
USA?"*

To keep a Vanagon reliable --> keep it simple and proactive in maintenance.
To keep get Vanagon strong --> You already the answer (Subie)

btw here's a picture of my driveway today...Pics of my van, my wife's van,
my daughter's vvan and my son's van in the background.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=2246655

On Sun, Dec 26, 2021 at 3:23 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

>  I've been a VW Van owner since 1974 ('70 Bus).  Upgraded to 1985 Vanagon
> in '89.  Always have loved the platform size...fits nicely into my garage,
> and of course everywhere else.  Yes, am old enough to have enjoyed the
> Wallaced Experience!
>
> Here's the thing:  I've been noticing that many shops are closing.  Many
> sources are starting to dry up.  Mechanics that know what they are doing
> are retiring.  With that in mind....I have been diligently keeping my
> Vanagon totally up to snuff as best I can.  New Subie motor, new
> transmission, new coolant system and associated components involved in
> engine swap....getting ready for new front suspension stuff and brakes on
> all 4 wheels.  Actually, those are the last two areas that need
> attention.... I'd be ready at a moment's notice to travel anywhere in the
> lower 48 tomorrow.
> I'm 68.  In 20 years I'll be 88.  It will be time to let the Vanagon go to
> some younger buck....assuming any interest.
>
> Yes...I've looked into the Sprinter/Transit/Ram platforms and am handy
> enough to turn any of these into a superb camper van....OK I guess...but
> won't fit into my garage.  The money is no object.
> Wondering if you guys, especially the elders like me, are having similar
> thoughts and concerns?  How to keep Vanagon reliable and strong, no matter
> where I travel in the USA?
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