Hi, Mark here residing in the UK.  I've been running an '85 1.9 Camper for a year and a half, a replacement for my faithful Honda Accord.  It was converted from new by Autohomes, one of the best conversions of the time.  The model is a Karisma, a high top which includes hot water and a TV on top of the usual camper features.

I'm 43, a writer, computer fiddler and occasional musician, keen on collectable model trains.  I live in the Scottish Highlands with partner Maureen and Molly our 10 month old baby.  Molly thinks all cars have running water and beds.  She is inextricably linked to the van because the day I bought it off two Australian visitors, Maureen discovered she was expecting.  Fortunately she told me afterwards, otherwise I'd have panicked and abandoned the idea.  We have just about recovered from the shock and the passion wagon is now a creche.

I was alerted to the Vanagon list after appealing for information in a uk newsgroup.  We seem to have different problems over here.  As far as I can tell, heads don't leak but cylinder head bolts pop without warning due to corrosion.  This hasn't happened to me but last week the van stuck in third gear, the first mechanical problem we've had.  The archives provided an instant diagnosis.  I've found a water-cooled Transporter specialist near Inverness, all we need now is a replacement gearbox.

I knew these vans could be trouble, but the benefits are considerable; nothing else combines space with maneuverability, and they are nice to drive.  We're planning to fix it and keep it. 

Any other UK list members?  Feel free to get in touch.  Cheers, Mark Nolan