Date:         Wed, 9 May 2001 21:41:56 EDT
Reply-To:     SyncrogalVW@cs.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loretta Abbott-Kennon <SyncrogalVW@cs.com>
Subject:      Re: is your Vanagon your main/only vehicle?
Comments: To: Greg@gregvaughnphoto.com
Content-Type:  multipart/alternative;

Hi,

I have 2 vanagons, I used my 90 GL as my primary vehicle until last year and
put about 20K on it each year.  The GL has had some coolant hose and pipe
leaking problems from time to time (the last time I was sure it was the heads
leaking but turned out to be the thermostat housing) Before I found the list
I took it to the dealer or an independent VW shop for maintenance and repairs
and it seemed like something was always breaking or going wrong with it.
Since finding the list I have purchased a tool set, Bentley and have gotten
to know how to make the repairs myself.  So for the last three years I have
had no major expensive repairs, just little leaks which I can repair myself.
I even replaced the water pump on it, when that started to go.

I bought my Syncro a little over a year ago when it had 104K miles on it.  At
that time I immediately had the bucking syndrome to deal with along with an
irratic idle.  After solving those problems (w/ the help of the list and my
dad) I have enjoyed 16K miles of relatively trouble-free driving.  Now
whenever anything starts to go wrong I consult the list and avoid taking it
to the shop.  The biggest problem I've had since then is a bad light switch
which I replaced w/ new from Van Again and did it myself!

 For me, I think these are pretty reliable because when things go wrong I
know what to do.  My friends with Toyotas brag about their maintenance free
cars but when things go wrong for them, all they can do is tow them to the
shop.  I like knowing my car and have some confidence in it that other people
don't seem to have in their cars.

But then with 2 Vanagons I do now qualify as a fanatic!

-Loretta
87 Syncro (daily driver)
90 GL (the limo)

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