At 12:06 PM 7/5/98 -0400, DavidM wrote:
>Hi,
>I'm a new subscriber to this list. I do not currently own a VW van
>(though I did own a Karmann Ghia in the past).
>I am considering a VW Eurovan (or, possibly a Vanagon) among other vans

Welcome.  I was there about a year ago, and asked the same questions you
have.  After lots of responses, I gleaned the following:
Vanagons aren't as common in the U.S. as they are in Canada, so there are
fewer of them for sale.  Further, many are never advertised - they sell by
word of mouth.  But in some parts of the U.S. they sell for very low
prices. Consider shopping this list and doing some travelling.
The new Eurovans are state of the art - reliable, safe, etc.  Bit pricey
compared to other vans, but more room.  If you're looking for a camper,
they're great.  Nothing to touch them.
The wassserboxers are prone to problems, and parts are expensive.  Leaking
heads are a particular bug.  BUT the Westfalia models come with camping
features that are pretty appealing.
The aircooled models are reliable and economical, but underpowered.  The
camper models don't have the sophistication of the wasserboxers except for
the 79 - 82 models (or early 83).  I bought an 82 Westy three months ago,
and it's great.  I paid too much, but it makes touring a dream, so it was
worth it.
Good luck.