Date:         Thu, 12 Aug 2004 23:46:56 -0500
Reply-To:     Chris <chris@MCCLURKEN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris <chris@MCCLURKEN.COM>
Subject:      Re: Who Supports The List / The Money Has Already Been Spent
In-Reply-To:  <16403-411C4158-2800@storefull-3172.bay.webtv.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

So much for resisting the urge......

I'm not going to bash GM or any other vehicle. But I will say my VWs
have never stranded me as our family's 84 Plymouth did. My 88 Jetta GLi
dumped on the side of the highway for a snapped timing belt but that
was mechanics error. And the thing started right up again after a new
belt (on a 16v!). Things break on these cars but in my experience it's
usually non critical, albeit annoying, stuff. Like power windows that
were notorious in the 90s.
I don't find parts to be all that expensive, if you know where to look.
I've never owned a non-German car though. You have to find the right
suppliers on the net or around town, and you have to find an enthusiast
shop to take it to. My shop when I lived in Atlanta was VW City in
Marietta if anyone is interested(I don't know if he's still in
business).

At any rate, I say that any unique problem that arises is usually
balanced out by a 'boy I'm glad this is a VW' situation. What other
company makes a car that after 5 years of ownership you find out the
thing has automatic heated mirrors! It just worked well enough that you
never noticed. I've never been surprised by the GM cars I've driven
(and I've had a handful as company vehicles). But maybe that's why
people like them...no surprises. Except that your wipers always work
except when it rains (did Chevy ever fix that? :-)

Sorry for the long rant,
Chris
On Aug 12, 2004, at 23:19, Robert Cardo wrote:

> Pinky,
> I am a multiple owner of many VW's and several Vanagon's over the
> years.
> I have enjoyed every one of them to the fullest.
> Here is what is getting depressing.
> Not only does any prominent VW dealer, anywhere I've been cringe when
> they see me rolling in their door, they have sometimes blatantly
> refused
> to perform service on my VW vehicles.
> I made a few calls to VWOA and they casually mentioned it the dealer's
> option.
> They seem to have no jurisdiction on who works on what.
> It is a pretty sad day when a dealer will not perform any kind of
> repairs on their own vehicle.
> Also I have found in my travels that one cannot locate hardly any
> independent shop to work on these beautiful vehicles.
> They do all but laugh in your face.
> I am semi mechanically adept, and am able to some of the service
> operations on my own.
> But there are limits to my aptitude and I find myself stifled
> sometimes.
> I will say this.
> Any GM vehicle was totally within my grasp as far as maintaining it,
> never had a shop anywhere refuse me service on any of their products,
> regardless of how old it was.
> It seems that parts availability on the older GM running gear is alway
> current, and available regardless what vintage it is.
> Now my question is, if VW was such a superior Vehicle, why the
> dispersions with a request for service on an overpriced ( at inception)
> vehicle?
> And I think this is the basic problem.
> The Vanagon was not a popular item,didn't sell well, and was difficult
> to maintain.
> Folks looking for a Van looked the other way because of price, and
> servicability.
> How many UPS. REA, as well as any other service oriented businesses
> actually bought the Vanagon to service their customer's?
> I have never seen a plumber, carpenter, roofer, chimney sweep, tile
> setter, or any other business of this sort running a Vanagon.
> Price, defensibility, and parts availability was the main cause of
> their
> sales failure here in the US.
> Again I'm sorry for making all aware here of the truth , and the facts.
> I still enjoy driving my toy VW's, even though they do sit a bunch
> while
> waiting for service to be completed, or just trying to find someone to
> do the extreme maintenance that I can't do, or waiting for the parts
> that never arrive in a timely fashion, at a resonable cost.
> My GM vehicles at that point are the back up, defensibility factors.
> Nice Talking to You.
>
> RC
>