Volks,

I'm sure that many of us would agree that at least some of the
problems that many of us experience are due to PO neglect, ignorance,
or incompetence. I doubt that anyone who has looked at VWs that are at
least 10 years old hasn't seen at least one that had some kind of
serious neglect-related problem or a jerry-rig of some sort. Mine had
a strong motor but all kinds of little BS that I had to sweat- the
horn, the ignition switch, some Rube Goldberg-like contraption
bypassing the starter relay (now, come on...), ancient cooling hoses,
a stuck window regulator, a floppy driver's side mirror, etc. etc.-
just plain ol' dumb $#!+.

I guess this is a universal experience- the bass player in our band
has just picked up a Chevy 10 van, and is having to do some serious
rewiring. The PO had disconnected just about everything just to
squeeze about �MPG more out of it. In addition, the motor is seriously
out of tune (kinda hard to reach to time it, even compared to a '72 VW
van), and the exhaust is shot from the CAT back.

I guess that this just comes with the territory. :)

Have fun,
Sam

---Colin Moran <cmoran@CSWNET.COM> wrote:
>
> Hello David,
>      I think you have gotten the wrong impression.  Vanagons are
> reliable.  What you see on the list is the problems that need
> correction.  Just as if you sat in a doctors office and listened to
the
> patients talk, you would get the idea that people are always sick.
>      I have an '86 Syncro, I am the second owner and have had it since
> it had 58,000 miles.  My van had 202,000 miles on it when it had a
major
> problem.  The problem was one I caused.  I let the oil get low and
cause
> a bearing to spin.  prior to that I had only minor problems with the
> van.  It has never left me stranded.
>      I plan to put in a new engine and keep the van for a long time.
 I
> do all my own work so finding a good mechanic is not a concern.  If
you
> buy a Vanagon this list will make you a good mechanic.  I have saved
> alot of money by doing the things this list talks about.
>      It would be better to ask what people like about their vans to
get
> an idea of if it is the vehicle for you.  You can't go wrong buying a
> Vanagon, just be aware of whats going to need attention.
>      Good luck finding your new ride.
> --
> Colin Moran
> Beebe Ar.
> '86 Syncro GL
> "The Bronze Brick"
> 202,000 and awaiting a new motor.
>

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