> Karl Batzler wrote:
>
> 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
>
>
>

Agreed.  My 1990 GL has been treated well and now has 215,000 on the
odometer!!  Okey so I did have that head gasket thing back at 70k, but
VWoA took care of that.  I make a daily drive up the Garden State
Parkway to Red Bank, NJ and home again, 102 miles, daily.  Yes there is
some wear and tear, I will need CV joints soon,(very soon, read my next
post) and I did have a small fire in the engine (make note replace those
rubberized high pressure fuel line on a regular basis), but still I
never got this kind of mileage out of any other car or truck, ever.  I
plan to keep around, it is the only van that meets the needs of my
family (5 kids, all aged <8 years old).
-Tim
Barnegat, NJ USA
1990 GL