Hi guys,
The reliability of the "Vanagon" is highly dependant of how it is maintained and treated from new.  Case and point....my father bought his 81 Vanagon L new and he has had only 2 problems with it:
1.  Replaced starter (didn't fix problem...found later that the battery was shot.  was original after 9 years).
2.  Replaced clutch (fried original in San Francisco loaded with 7 people and luggage on a large hill with a stop sign at the top....drove on it another four years) replaced at 95,000 miles!
Now still running great at 120,000 miles (192,000 km), I personally this is a great record.
Karl Batzler

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