In a message dated 98-07-14 17:57:14 EDT, dmc@CYBURBAN.COM writes:

<< 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.
  >>
I'm not, and I have an 87 syncro. I love it.  Do the major services every 30K
by a VW vanagon specialist or  a VW freek, like me.   Michael Modl.