Date:         Sat, 9 Mar 2002 14:36:30 -0800
Reply-To:     developtrust <developtrust@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         developtrust <developtrust@COX.NET>
Subject:      Vanagon-Eurovan debate
Comments: To: alan barber <barb2375@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> And keeping things in perspective, the modern EV is going to need a lot
> fewer parts a lot less often than a Vanagon.

Each to their own. As for me my comparison revealed less useable space. More
power and sleek look to the Eurovan exterior but each has its place or they
would not be produced.

I met one guy when I got my new regulator on my propane tank who used to own
Eurovans and vanagons who was so fed up with both he bought a Ford Diesel
and spent a fortune putting on a pop top and custom making his own kitchen,
wider bed/seat affair. He even put extra snaps around his hatch back to
accommodate shower curtains for his wife to have privacy and used a sun
shower on the roof. He had convenient storage everywhere. His design was
amazing but he wanted to tow heavy stuff hence the Ford.

As for me, if someone gave me a Eurovan I'd take it but I would never buy
one even if it cost only a few thousand. I could have bought a used one for
$16,000 before I bought my 1989 Vanagon. I did notice another in the
dealer's lot that had the whole front engine fire that charred and melted
rubber wires and anything flammable everywhere from an exploded battery he
said. It looked terrible.

I guess I'll have to take a new one for a spin to be fair. For me, there is
something charming and elegant about the Vanagon and it's efficient design.
And I like to be able to look at my engine without major constraint. And
bottom line I like simplicity.

No offense meant for Eurovan owners or in Vanagon defense. Just my
observations.

William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE