Hi all,

Just joined the list -- I went to look at a 1991 Vanagon GL for sale
near here, it seems solid.  There are a few interior and exterior
cosmetic issues, but nothing really out of the ordinary for a 16 year
old vehicle.  More significantly, the shifter linkage is sloppy, hard
to find the gears but it shifts and drives well otherwise.  I see
there is a "gear shift repair kit" available:

http://catalog.worldpac.com/buymb/wizard.jsp?header=header.jsp&footer=footer.jsp&partner=buymb&clientid=buyeuroparts&baseurl=http://www.buyeuroparts.com/&cookieid=27J1BJHBW27J1BJSKD&year=1991&make=VW&model=VAN--003&category=All&part=Gear+Shift+Repair+Kit

Would that likely restore a more precise shifter feel?

I found two recalls on this model year, one related to a fuel hose
clamp, and one related to the center air duct.  Will dealers still
honor those?  The center air duct is sagging in a way that matches the
problem description in the recall notice, so I'd like to get that
fixed if I decide to buy the van.

Also, I'm a little concerned about crashworthiness, there seems to be
very little in front of the driver in these vehicles.  Can anyone
comment on that?

Any other common problems I should check for?  I asked about head
leaks and seller says there is no sign of any problem right now; the
engine has had new heads installed.

I'm also going to look at a 2002 Eurovan -- I know it's difficult to
directly compare these vehicles, certainly the prices are in two
different ballparks, but am interested if there are any significant
issues with that model as well.

Many thanks,

Allan