Date:         Thu, 20 Apr 2000 17:35:44 -0400
Reply-To:     John Fried <john@DATAKNIGHT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Fried <john@DATAKNIGHT.COM>
Organization: dataKnight, L.L.C.
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Love
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

> Sigh. Does it ever end? I just want to go on my trip, not
> be stuck in my friend's garage the rest of my life.

> It is an engineered German machine.  It never fails or breaks down.
> .... if you keep it in the garage.... and even then....

> On every trip you ask yourself:
> Gee I wonder what else will start squeaking or make funny noises or
> stop working and cause you to call a tow truck.

> My wife usually snickers and says at the start of a trip with
> amazement "hey it started!"
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I joined the list this past Monday and, after reading all the posts, I'm
starting to come to a few conclusions:

1. I must be very naive. I used to think I could just USE our new '85
Westy for fun and enjoyment -- now I almost fear I'll be spending more
time repairing it than using it!

2. I'm going to have to build a garage on my house so I have somewhere
to work on it at night and when it rains -- also so my wife will know
where to find me when I'm not at work.

3. I really do need to get a cellular phone.

4. This list will be an invaluable aid in my new profession as a VW
mechanic.

Seriously, are these busses really that unreliable or am I just hearing
from the "vocal minority" who have had problems. (No offense meant) What
is the reliablilty factor for an '85 Westy? My wife and I both love ours
and look forward to many years of camping with it, but if it becomes (or
already is) a "money pit" it may be a short-lived love. Last weekend at
EveryBus we talked with many other owners -- many who have lovingly
restored some nice busses -- but I never thought to ask about general
reliability of our bus. Quick, somebody tell me I'm not getting
paranoid!

John

P.S. I've not seen these famous Friday posts -- yet -- and this is not
meant to be one of them (although I'm prepared for whatever may come).
(^_^)