David,
            You gotta face it, driving VWs involves elements of "Karma",
self-indulgence, self-flagellation and other weird personal quirks of
folks!  Seems I remember a Chrysler ad, back around '76, touting the
advantages of owning a short-wheelbase Dodge Van with the 225ci 6
cylinder engine and the automatic transmission over the offerings from
the VW Van.  Gave one better gas mileage, more cu.ft. of cargo, greater
towing capacity, more acceleration, and at a much less cost than the VW
Van of that time, plus many, many folks who could actually work on
one!.  Somehow, though, I just cringe at the thought of  having to drive
a '76 Dodge Van, although my '76 GMC pickup still runs fine, even after
40,000 miles since its last tune-up!

My '60 Bug never made it to 4,000 miles without needing plugs & points,
my '74 Van could make it to about 6,000 miles before the same.  My '85
Vanagon GL is an improvement, BUT methinks my infatuation with the beast
involves a bit of pride in actually keeping the thing running.  PLUS,
I'm 6'3", 235#, an Amateur Radio Operator and find the beast exceedingly
comfortable, able to house all my mobile ham equipment, in addition to
loads of antennas on its body surfaces and haul my five daughters around
without complaints of lack of room!

One thing to consider, David, is that this is really an enthusiasts
site.  IF we were not somewhat smitten by the seductiveness of VW Vans
(although I'll be the first to admit that my '63 split-window was MUCH
more suited to the "show-circuit" than any amount of serious highway
driving) we would ALL be driving resonable vans, such as '66 Chevy
flat-windowed vans with simple 6-cyl engines and automatic transmissions
or later American offerings!

BOB - WA4RRN