Hi Folks.  We've had our '90 Syncro Westy since new, and the amount
of trouble I've had is engine waterpumps (on the third now), and had
to have the a/c compressor rebuilt twice.  I had a bucking problem
last fall, and fixed that by doing some regular maintenance on
electrical grounds, etc.  I don't consider these items out of the
ordinary for a vehicle that is now 8 years old and has 148000 km on
it.

Reliable?  Absolutely!  Starts first kick every time.  Runs smooth,
and is a pleasure to own.  I maintain the van religiously.. like I
maintain all my other vehicles.  Like most things mechanical, you
have to do regular maintenance for things to work properly and
to make last.

BTW, I had two Toyotas... both were purchased new, and both were
lemons.  It happens to all manufacturers.  I also have a 1987 Golf
Diesel that's been the absolute best car I've ever had for
reliability, and body integrity.  Still looks like new with 234000 km
on it :)

VW, IMHO, is my manufacturer of choice :)

Harry.

> << 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.
-----------------------------------------------------
Harry Yates, Langley, British Columbia Canada
'90 Syncro Westfalia   WWW - http://syncro.cr.bcit.bc.ca/hyates
'87 Golf Diesel        email:  hyates@bcit.bc.ca
'91 Miata (Millie)