David, do you have electric locks?  It could be different on your Wolfsburg,
but on my Carat, there are two settings for the back hatch lock.  In one
location (vertical), the hatch locks and unlocks with the rest of the vans
locks.  In the other setting (45 degrees of vertical), it works
independently of the other locks.

I always use the vertical position so that when the whole van is unlocked, I
only have to push the button in to release the hatch.  I only have trouble
with the hatch when my wife tries to open it and use the key when it is not
needed!

Alan Grobey
'91 Carat
Sherwood, OR

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of David M
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 1999 3:56 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Trip report and Vanagon impressions

I just got back from my longest trip yet in my '87 Wolfsburg, which I
have owned for 10 months now.
Only 600 uneventful miles but enough to draw a few firm conclusions
about my vehicle.

First, I love the vehicle, its a marvel of design and space efficiency,
ideal for a family of four with lots of luggage.
I love driving the van and I got a few positive comments from people I
parked next to (usually "wow there's a lot of room in there").

Chief drawbacks on my van are: the atrocious KYB shocks (brand new)
which transfer every minor bump. The ludicrously inefficient headlights
(I first thought they weren't on and I got out to check the bulbs).
The auto gearshift is a tad too far away from the drivers seat (and I
have a longer than average reach).
The method of unlocking the rear hatch is a constant pain, I wish it was
a simple lock/unlock key switch with no power.
I also wish the brakes were a tad more powerful, with four people and
lots of luggage I found panic stops needed a very firm foot.