Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 14:54:00 -0700
Reply-To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: Vanagon Love
If you live in California, you talk about earthquakes, though they rarely
happen.
If you live in Florida, you talk about Hurricanes, though they rarely
happen.
If you drive a Vanagon, you talk about repairs though . . . wait a
minute, they always happen!
As in any higher mileage vehicle, there will be maintenance issues. My two
vans have a half million miles on them. Something is always in need of
tweaking or replacing, and unlike a Ford truck, no one really knows how to
fix these; even the dealerships. You tend to be kinda on your own.
The Vanagons have some definite quirks in their design, too. Perhaps VW
didn't quite have their heads on straight when they finalized the Vanagon,
but they do work, they have their own personalities, and if your van allows
you to become its friend, you should have a long and meaningful
relationship. They are wonderful vehicles, which you probably already know
(seeing as how you bought one).
If you can't put up with the midnight feedings and occasional temper
tantrums, Vanagon ownership may not be right for you; only time will tell.
Good luck,
Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Fried" <john@DATAKNIGHT.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2000 2:35 PM
Subject: Re: Vanagon Love
> > 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!"
> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> 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).
> (^_^)
>
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