Date:         Sat, 7 Apr 2001 13:05:38 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Walker <mwalker@GBROWNC.ON.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Walker <mwalker@GBROWNC.ON.CA>
Subject:      Best Westy Years?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hey all;

I'm a recent convert to VW campers; took a trip to Europe last fall and
spent 6 glorious weeks in an '86 bubble-top VW conversion van (rented
from Turner Cars in the Netherlands). Now I want one. Been quietly
lurking on the list for a while trying to pick up all the lore, but a
big basic question remains: which year/model is 'best'?

I define best mainly in terms of reliability & durability. I read some
notes that seem to suggest that some years/models have major problems,
I'd obviously like to avoid those. In general are the 85-88 Vanagons
(which seem plentiful) tougher and more durable than the 92-95 Eurovans
(which seem rare)?

My situation is I could either (a) buy an older Vanagon now with the
expectation that I'd need to keep putting money in it or (b) save for
awhile and get a newer (but now new) Eurovan. I am reasonably handy,
have basic auto maintenance skills but little time and no great talent.
I guess the bottom line is I'm cheap; I'd hate to spend more for a
Eurovan and then find the Vanagon is as good a vehicle, or hate to sink
money into an old Vanagon when a newer Eurovan would provide better
miles-per dollar.

TIA . . . Mike

   _______________________________________________________

            "It is better to be hated for what you are
       than to be loved for what you are not" - Andre Gide

Mike Walker - mwalker@total.net - www.gbrownc.on.ca/~mwalker