In a message dated 98-07-05 20:31:51 EDT, dmc@CYBURBAN.COM writes:

<<
 As a prospective purchaser of a VW van I have been reading about this
 problem. I must admit this has almost made me cross VW off my shortlist.

 Does this problem only apply to Vanagons or also to the Eurovan?

 How would a prospective purchaser check for this problem?

 Are there any other special things to check for when examining a used
 Vanagon or Eurovan. I am most concerned about things that would be
 difficult and/or expensive to fix, since I am not a do-it-yourself
 mechanic.

 Thanks in advance.
  >>
The vanagon waterboxer engine will usually devolope a coolant leak around
100k, maybe sooner, maybe later and maybe never. Buy a vanagon with new heads
if possible. They are a low maintenance vehicle anyway, major service is done
every 30k , wich is a full (Bosch) tune-up and All the fluids.  The Eurovan
has a totally different motor. It has the VW/Audi 5 cylinder motor, bullet
proof. It's more expensive to maintain though, you have to replace the timing
belt every 60k, ($300.), and has more things to break like emissions stuff
causing the check engine light to come on, ABS and front brakes aren't cheap
either.  It's a tough decision. The vanagon has more room but less power, the
Eurovan has less room but more power, the vanagon is easier to work on and
rear wheel drive unless it's a syncro (4X4), the Euro is harder   to work on
but front wheel drive. It's a toss up, drive both, drive the newer vanagons,
like the Carat with rear facing seats and the table (89 thru 92), or the
syncro and Westfalia campers. Try a Eurovan MV (multivan) wich has rear facing
seats and table, the seven seater ( just a plain passenger van, vanagon has
the same ) and the rare Eurovan Westfalia wich has a factory pop top. Dont
confuse the Eurovan Westfalia with the 95 or newer Eurovan Winnebago's.  Buy
the ultimate vanagon, the syncro weekender or Westfalia, or a Eurovan MV or
Westfalia. Good luck. Take your time, look at a lot and be carefull.
 MIchael Modl
 87 syncro.