I am a non-mechanic type who has driven ~100K miles with my 84 Westy. My suggestions: 1. Proactive maintenace (my westy is only as reliable as its oldest part) 2. Cell phone 3. AAA card 4. List from vanagon.com of recommended mechanics within a 200 mile radius of route. Of course, driving through N/S Dakota, WY, and eastern MT will always require luck.....This is also why I carry a Bentley; I may not be a mechanic - but I hold out hope that in a crunch a mechanic could use the Bentley.... 5. Good hearing - I know my van, know its vibrations/noises/clunks - I also know when what I'm hearing/feeling is something new. So rather than cranking up the stereo and hoping it will disappear - I start to pay attention and begin to think about where I could get help. 6. Last, but not least - having read this list for 5+ years, I do know the weak spots and possible fixes. Yep - I don't know how to fix them, but I do have a clue about what's going on. There are few vehicles that boost or deflate your confidence than a VW van! M Holm 84 Westy |
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