In a message dated 98-07-14 21:38:35 EDT, Joel Walker writes:

<<  i will not admit to owning any British cars. ever. never
 did that. no way. (you think VW's are bad?? get a Jaguar or Rover. or a
 Fiat or Lancia!!!). >>

Whoa Nelly!!! Let's not unload on the Brits.
I've owned British cars for many years and, just like our Vanagons, they too
are designed to be "fussed with" (only exponentially compared to the Vanagon).
In fact, I've noticed quite a few similarities between the two in the 10+
years that I have owned my Vanagon.
I will say this; (demons of Lucas be damned!) my '64 MG is just as RELIABLE a
vehicle as the Vanagon - certainly not as comfortable or practical tho.

As you so correctly pointed out in your post, it takes a special type of
person to own a Vanagon - or British car for that matter.
A person who ENJOYS working, tinkering, and generally "fussing with" his
vehicle.
A person whose hobby IS his (or her) car.
This certainly doesn't appeal to many people.
One of the advantages tho is that you get to know that little rascal from the
inside out.
After a time with this sort of relationship, the vehicle really has to TRY to
suprise you with a problem.
In my opinion, this is much perferred to a situation where you never even look
under your hood (bonnet) until the thing drops you on the Interstate.

(Sorry Joel, just had to defend the best of the British Empire!)

Sam Bateman
Fork Union, VA
'87 Vanagon GL
'64 MG Midget
'72 Triumph TR 6
Several British motorbikes