I agree that you have to realize that when you see this list you are
seeing a great deal of the complaints and not a true picture of  vanagon
ownership....  so in that light
Praise Report:
My summer travels took me from Michigan to Pennsylvania and back without
a hitch.  The trip was about 2200 miles and I was heading out to pick up
a '87 syncro.  I packed my family of 6 into our '84 GL and away we
went.  Understand that I'm not one of the more compulsive types about
maintenance.  If it breaks, I fix it. Simple as that. (Thankfully, the
list helps make that possible) Yes I do oil changes, but not always at
3000 mi, sometimes not even twice that.  And yes, I carry a basic tools
for a measure of security.  The '84 has 202,000 miles. When I bought it,
the heads leaked so I JB-Weld'd them. (about 100,000 miles ago).  Other
than the heads, all other maintenance was on things that I consider
normal wear and tear.  This list makes maintaining one of these
possible.  If I had to rely on a dealer, I couldn't afford any car out
there.  Back to the trip,  the only "problem" was that I had to add oil
occasionally due to a leaky main seal.  I have the part and sooner or
later I should put it in.  I wouldn't hesitate to go across the country
tomorrow if the need arises in this van.  Thanks to the list and a well
designed vehicle. (well mostly well designed :-) )
In summary, don't be discouraged about these quirky machines.  If you
treat them with any respect and learn some of the weak areas, there
aren't many things that can't be fixed for the cost of a few new car
payments.
-soap box off-
Mark Rokus
'87 Syncro Westy GL
'87 Syncro GL
'84 GL
'81 Westy