Date: Sat, 11 May 2002 08:43:28 -0600
Reply-To: Mark Dingman <redshoe@TIR.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Dingman <redshoe@TIR.COM>
Subject: Re: Reliable Vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed
I read a few responses related to your plea and thought they were a bit
harsh.
Vanagons are a just wonderful, and I know several non-mechanical owners
who are happy owners (I know a few that are unhappy too, but I'll get to
that). Reliability-wise, any particular Vanagon seems to be either a
pain in the ass or a joy to own. I happen to have one of the later. My
wife and I have never been stranded. When ever something goes wrong,
our van gets us home first. I do, however, keep a proactive eye on it
mechanically. After several odd occurrences, we are beginning to think
that these vans are really alive... If you treat it like a friend, it is
nice to you. There's a mecha-spiritial thing sometimes.
The key to my non-mechanical friends' positive experience is regular
visits with a good mechanic who knows Vanagons, and a positive
relationship with the van. (I have a friend that has regular visits
with a good mechanic who knows Vanagons, but a negative relationship
with the van- That doesnt work.)
Seriously, here's what I would recommend looking for....
-MECHANIC- Before you buy, you should find a mechanic in your area who
really knows these things. Some things can be tricky to troubleshoot or
perform (filling coolant, for example). Some euro mechanics
"specializing" in Vanagons don't know beans about them, so watch out.
ASk the Vanagon owners in your area who they use and if they have had
good experiences there. Take the van to the best shop ASAP for a check
up and then probably twice a year afterwards. If they're good they
should be able to see a lot of stuff ahead of time.
-NO RUST- Vans from the WEst (OR, WA, CA, UT, CO...) have incredible
rust free bodies. Focus on that area. If you want to keep it for a
long time, and it has the original paint on it, have it clear-coated again.
-No WINTERS FROM NOW ON- If you live anywhere but the West (or SE),
dont drive it in the winter (rust) and store it properly. Vanagons
(pop-top's especially) shine in the Spring-Sumemr-Fall, dont ruin it in
the Winter.
-GOOD ENGINE- check for leakage under the cylinder heads. The shields
will often be corroded if it has been a problem. Check the compression
(take it to a mechanic before purchase for a check-up). Rebuilt engines
are about $2000 plus installation.
-GOOD TRANS- If it's a syncro, this is big. Syncro rebuilt trans' cost
$3000 plus install and the originals often fail. Popping out of a gear
by itself is the most common failure symptom.
-GOOD CV's- Again, more relevant if its a syncro. the front CV's will
wear out and pop when you have the wheel turned a lot (and are moving).
They're $300 each side plus install.
-SYNCRO?- Unless you really need it, you may not want to consider a
syncro pop-top. THey're heavy and as you can see, syncro adds a whole
other layer of potential problem. They're also sought after and very
pricey.
Hope this helps!
Mark
87 Syncro
Terry Buchanan wrote:
>Hi ya'll,
>
>I'm looking for a '90 - '92 vanagon with a pop-top, in
>restored condition. Something that needs nothing
>because I don't have the tools or ability to fix
>anything myself. I just wanna put in the key and
>gooooo! Either that or a real clean pre - '73 with a
>pop-top.
>
>i know this may be next to impossible to find, but
>until we can get those south african caravelles over
>here, i gotta keep dreaming!!
>
>i hate those euro-utility-vans!
>
>
>
>Thanks,
>Terry
>
>__________________________________________________
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