David,
I returned last week from a 3,000+ mile trip from Texas to Wisconsin,
plying the state highways and county roads of seven states for 10 days. The
vehicle is a 1987 GL Westfalia, now with 136,500 miles. It has the original
head and most other parts. I added only one quart of oil during the trip. I
also added a little air to one of the rear tires at the mid-point of the
trip.

The only problem I had was the passenger side electric window fritzing up.
It had done this before the trip as well, but I didn't bother to fix it
during the trip. I could still lower and raise it manually. Most of the
trip was done in air-conditioned comfort. External temperatures ranged from
105 in Texas to low 60s at night in Wisconsin.

We got a good test of the vehicle's transmission and horsepower in the
Ozarks in Missouri and Arkansas, lots of very steep roads with 20 mph
hairpin curves. I was concerned about overheating but the Westy never came
close. I was impressed with the low-range 4-speed transmission on the
mountain roads, most of which was spent in 2nd and 3rd gear. Only once or
twice did I have to go to 1st gear. On flatter roads we had no problem
cruising at 60-65 mph. We averaged between 18 and 19 miles per gallon.

This was my first trip with the Westy (I bought it in May) and I brought
extra belts, coolant, and plenty of tools, as well as the Bentley. No need
for any of it.

I plan to change the oil and filter this weekend and check the air filter.
But that's about it.

Frankly, when I bought the Westy I expected it to be a high-maintenance
item. This could still turn out to be the case. But for camping trips it's
really a great way to travel. I used to own an RV and that baby was
expensive to operate and expensive to maintain. Not to mention it performed
poorly on hills and was a real struggle to keep on the road in high winds.

-- John

>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.