At 09:43 AM 3/13/98 -0500, you wrote:

  Vanagon enthusiasts are probably in the worst
>shape of all because the waterboxer buses not only were brought into the US
>in relatively small numbers, but also used an engine not shared with any
>other VW or Audi product.  This situation guarantees that parts will be
>more expensive than most cars.  The existence of this list has sure made it
>easier, though.  If it weren't for the presence of Ron, Kyle, and other
>dealers on the list who have a lot of aftermarket parts at reasonable
>prices, I think I'd have given up on vanagons a couple of years ago.  This
>is not to mention the thousands of dollars worth of free advice availabe
>here for the price of a few minutes browsing a day!
>
>Bill:

        I'm sure there is some truth to what you say, but the Bosch fuel
pump I bought for my '89 Fox was over $100 more at the VW dealer than the
local parts store and it was pretty generic. I too, might be giving up on my
Vanagon except for the list and my parts van. Actually, my friend Steven,
the Volvo/Saab mechanic is about ready to sell his Vanagon. It is now in
good condition, but he's tired of the maintenance. He is, after all, a
Volvo/Saab guy.

Bruce
Storrs, CT