I drove a '68 breadbox for years, and in 1990 bought my first Vanagon. Being in Alaska at the time, for the same money, I had the choice of an aircooled westy that stunk like fish, and had a burned valve plus other trouble, or an 85' GL with a profusely leaking power steering rack that everyone under the mindnight sun was afraid of.

I bought 85 GL and hav been so glad ever since. Fixed the PS rack, and never had anymore problems with it but minor maintenence. When I traded for an 88' GL in 1997 the 85 model had well over 200,000 miles on it, burned the tiniest bit of oil, and never had a head leak.

On the 88 GL, though it seemed great at the time, and all seemed in order, it wasn't long before the tranny went belly up and it was rebuild time. Then in 1999 while on a trip the engine burned a piston out in Oklahoma and left me stranded. Became a logistics nightmare to get me back to home base, but it did get done, the engine got rebuilt, and I have not had a single problem since, except the flywheel seal started to leak an eventually I had to pull the tranny and put in a new seal. Otherwise I am happey with the van. The tranny and engine thing just happened .... I suspect the PO didn't take care of it and I just happend to get caught. Once fixed all has been very well .... and I think it will remain so. I'm picky about maintenance because I beleive proper maintenance and preventive maintenance is the key to happy Vanagon and a happy driver.

Go for it. Get yourself one ..... but I suggest a later machine. Keep in mind these rigs are getting older by the day, and the newest of the old is far preferable to the oldest of the old. Tend to last longer.

Good Luck