I have a question.  I'm a busy person for whom it is a bit clumsy to work on
my car.  I change the oil regularly and get problems fixed when they come
up; however, I see it alluded to so much in this list about the importance
or (scupulous) maintenance (I haven't read a lot of those mailings).  Can
someone give a quick summary of what that means that I should be doing
regularly to keep the van healthy and optimum?  Check the ignition settings
no matter what every 8 weeks?, as an example? Thanks,
phil h   '80 Wfla

-----Original Message-----
From: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates [mailto:gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM]
Sent: Friday, October 23, 1998 9:53 AM
To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: repairs/solutions (long)

Rob wrote:
This type of thinking is very hard to get through to some people <<<SNIP>>>
the long run....When you own an airplane, you calculate how much it cost
you an hour to fly... by dividing... the cost of your <<<SNIP>>>
Rob
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Rob & all-

Absolutely. Having a semi-dependable vehicle is horrible economy.

The insurance, taxes, parking, tolls, fuel, tires, and oil costs are
exactly the same whether the van is dependable or not. Actually, it costs
significantly more in wasted time, effort, and hastily performed repairs
(destined to fail again shortly) to drive an inadequately-maintained
vehicle. Trying to save a dime by not fixing something until it fails
completely is short-sighted.

gmb