Date:         Wed, 9 Mar 2005 20:57:48 -0500
Reply-To:     John Runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Runberg <jrunberg@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Vanagon not as junk!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Some people like things, some don't. Some also have good experiences, while some have horrible ones! Mostly, poor prior maintenance is one problem, and some overly complex/funky design choices is the second.

We run our westy regularly and have no qualms going anywhere at any time. It wasn't always like that -- the PO spent lots of $$ replacing FI parts to get past GA inspection. For no reason it turns out, BTW, as I've tested many of them (on the bench, on the van) and they're fine. Culprit was largely a worn engine w/ low oil preassure. While an engine rebuild was expensive, that block should last another 100k+ if not abused. Is the gas vanagon engine the most reliable thing? NO! Things fail faster than a Honda, but I can live with that. The day I can't a 1.9TD is going in the back to solve the problem.

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned in all this is that MOST problems simply don't 'appear' one day. They are the result of wear and damage accumulated over time. Example: my throttle got stiffer and stiffer as the bushings failed, making the last drive across NC a pain. A replacement TB (thanks Bob) solved the problem and she now purrs. Pay attention to you car (even if you're not a mechanic) and you're on the way to not being stranded somewhere. On the flip side, buy something that's been abused and your in for a long ride back to reliablity.

Last thing: those that say all dealers are thiefs and idiots should move to Virginia Beach, VA. The local dealer *likes* vanagons, does good work and will take your parts instead of using their own if you ask (no warrantee on what you bring, obviously). NOt the norm, but nice to have.

john




>You're right Chris i do need to chill out, just thinking about vanagons 
>makes me mad as hell.  I hate them, i think they are a useless waste of 
>money and time and are unsafe and bad for the environment.  I wish i 
>did'nt feel that way but I do.  I firmly believe my feelings are based on 
>facts though.  I dont have any problem with owning a vanagon as a car 
>collector, they are very fun cars though as long as you can be honest 
>about its shortcomings especially when addressing newbies.