At 12:22 AM 3/13/98 -0500, you wrote:
>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.
>
>Patrick:

        I once took my '89 VW Fox to a dealer to have a fuel pump replaced.
As you probably know, this pump attaches to the rear frame by two bolts.
Easiest thing in the world to deal with. Total cost to repair? Almost $500.
I don't wonder about the direction VW is going, I know where they're going
and are. Despite the unreliablility of my Vanagon (My second '87 and my
second to have leaking heads due to a previous owner using the wrong
anti-freeze. Is this stupid design or what?) it is probably the most
utilitarian vehicle on the planet. So, we suffer through. But, not entirely
happily. And, I would NEVER buy another VW.

Bruce

Storrs, CT