Date:         Tue, 15 May 2001 11:34:11 -0700
Reply-To:     Bob McMain <RdRunr@ZiaNet.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob McMain <RdRunr@ZiaNet.com>
Subject:      Re: Eurovans --help, comparison
Comments: To: "Horace K. Sawyer" <firestream@mindspring.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hey, HK.  I love my Vanagon, BUT the Eurovan is worth a look.  Here's my
take on them.  The 93's & 95's have the good body, but are sorely
underpowered with the Audi 108hp, 5 cyl engine pulling a 4100# (5100# camper
version) vehicle.   Unless you really know the vehicle or don't have much
cash to spend, I'd say pass on the '93 you looked at.

In 97 & 99 the Eurovan came with a 140hp VR6 engine which was much better.
The 2001's have the same VR6 engine beefed up to 201hp.  The body weights
have remained about the same.  In addition to the increased power, they have
more safety features, better handling characteristics, handling, and a more
efficient AC than the Vanagon.

The Eurovan definitely doesn't have the character of the Vanagon.  It is
longer and bulkier and has less ground clearance, particularly in the camper
model.  It also has the Winnebago camper stuff rather than the Westfalia,
and we like the Westy stuff better.   Nevertheless, we are looking for a 97
Eurovan camper that we will try out and see if we really like it.  If so,
we'll keep it and sell our very nice 87 Westy with less than 75K miles on
it.  If not, we'll sell the Euro and keep our Westy.

The new Eurovans are pricey.  We have friend looking one with the weekender
pkg on it.

I've had the same problem you did trying to get on the Eurovan list.
However, go to www.Edmunds.com ; look up a used Eurovan there and within
that you will find numerous postings about the Eurovan and owners experience
with same.

Good luck,
Bob
87 Westy "RDRUNR1"