DavidM wrote:

> I am a prospective purchaser of a Vanagon/Eurovan who has been
> monitoring this list for the past couple of weeks to get an idea of what
> these machines are about.
> Judging by the amount of problems I see being discussed here, I must
> admit I am getting the impression that owners of these vehicles are
> having to tinker with them on a daily or weekly basis to keep them
> running.
> The other impression I get, is that VW mechanics are hard to find, VW
> dealers are pretty hopeless, and VW parts are horrendously expensive.
> I am currently the owner of a Toyota I have scarcely had to touch for
> the last 10 years except for oil changes, new tires and batteries.
> I would be curious to know how many owners of the VW vans have actually
> gone extended periods or high-mileages without having to do anything
> execept routine maintenence to their vehicles. Perhaps this will redress
> the balance in my mind and restore my faith in them.

 David, Sniveling Lurking Vanagon Wannabees,
The "youngest" vanagon out there (USA) is 7 years old. Westys are used as
micro-motorhomes with terrific miles racked up on them quickly on LD road
trips. Our German Steel has quirks for sure, but just go ahead and join a
mailing list for your Toyota, hang there a while and problems will as well
be evident. Remember, you are seeing all the problems in our posts, only a
few report on thier "excellent" road trips they have without a hitch. The
Vanagon is a hold over from the VW "culture", Hi Quality/Lo Cost/ Easy to
repair. The new VW's are heading away from that but our Vanagons I believe
still fit that culture.

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Shalom                                                    87 GL
Mark Magee                                            91 Westy
Kemah TX USA                                      96 Suzuki 4WD Sport
John 14:6