Garth,
     Not being a mechanicly minded fella, I can only tell you about driving
and financial considerations so here goes.  I have an '87 Wolfsburg and a
'93 EV GL both of which I enjoy.  Pro/Con thoughts:  Vanagon pro- with
manual tranny, the ratios seem to make more sense.  EV pro- the range of
motion on the shifter is more convienient.  Vanagon pro- mileage is about
20-24mpg in most cases (EV is 15ish).  EV pro- sits higher and has better
instrument/control design.  EV pro- two air conditioners- front/rear.
 Vanagon pro- better inside useable space in terms of folding or removable
chairs.  Vanagon pro- better sliding door with handle latch- the EV door
sticks back with pressure that is independant of the handle trigger.  EV
pro- more comfortable seats.  EV pro- goes faster.
     As far as style and creature comforts go, I think the EV wins this
one.  I love my Vanagon, but I'd love it more if it had more thoughtfully
designed storage spaces inside.  In the Wolfsburg, the bottom of the back
bench seat lifts to allow some storage, but there is a heater sucking up a
lot of that space.  Short of that and the glove box, that's all you get.
 (I don't count the areas beneath the front seat as they are used for
battery, jack, etc.)
     I just took my Vanagon from  Denver to Las Vegas and back and it was
fine, but if I had to do it over, I think for speed comfort I'd take the
EV.  In either instance I think it wise to be mechanicaly familiar with
whichever he decides on, or at the least be in the good graces of a
knowledgable and trustworthy mechanic.  Regardless, I think your friend
will be happy.;

Scott Paddock
'87 Weekender "Rolf"
'93 EV GL unnamed