Sorry to gripe, but reading the list mail upsets me.  Hearing stories of
lifters for $78 dollars each and $2000 dollar markups on new cars and any
part you need for a waterboxer motor costing more than the van is worth
makes me wonder about the direction VW is going.  The econo car company has
turned into a money hungry machine.  Probably been that way for years, I
just recently pulled my head out of the sand.  I work on cars for a living.
All makes and models(with some exceptions).  My opinions are not that bias.
A power steering hose for a Chevy Celeberity costs 12.95 from autozone.
Thats an entire hose with metal lines, fittings, hardware, the works(made in
USA).  A rubber gas hose that connects the fuel tank to the fill pipe on a
78 VW bus costs 82.90.  Thats eighty two dollars and ninty cents US
currency.  No clamps, no hardware, just a hose.  This piece of hose is 3
inches long, but because it is "molded" to a certain  angle, it is
expensive. I guess.
I'm sure thousands of examples of VW blatanly ripping people off with
inflated part prices and dealer mark ups can be cited, but thats not the
point.  The point is, VW takes advantage of a situation, and takes advantage
of its customers.  "Dealer only parts" are inflated like crazy.  Hot new
cars like the golf with bug-style sheet metal are inflated.  This is wrong.
I guess I'm upset because I like the product(vanagon), but can't stand the
process(vw tactics).  Maybe other car companies stick it to ya too, but I
have the biggest laugh with vw.  But I still drive them.  I guess that says
something.