Greetings,

I am again interesting in purchasing a Vanagon, preferably a Syncro, (also
considering the merits of a Double Cab).  <Aside: Lynnda, glad to see you
sold your Syncro, sorry about dragging my feet.>  I am very much interested
in obtaining one of these vehicles but was recently set back in my quest by
the response given by another listmember to my question regarding
reliability.  A brief exerpt of our e-conversation follows:

Q:
> What kind
> of reliability might I expect from a vehicle like [this one]?  What kind
> of annual repair costs?  My wife is starting a small business and we
would
> probably use the vehicle as both a daily driver and as a weekend camper
to
> travel to events where my wife will sell and promote her products, so
> reliability is a pretty big concern for us.

A:

Man are you making a misstake! this is and never will be
a very reliable vehicle. It wasn't when it was new. that is on of the
biggest reason they didn't sell. Add to that age and milage, you are
looking for trouble if you want reliability. A second toy/car,
yes. A must have to get yo work, NO!

Please add your comments and experiences.  I love the look and image of
these vehicles, and a van would be most practical right now, but finances
dictate that we not be nickeled and dimed with repair costs and time
constraints while moonlighting forbid us from spending a lot of time on
doing repairs ourselves.  Can't bear the thought of drinving one of those
hideous American made vans.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin