Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 20:42:10 -0400
Reply-To: Geo <geost@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Geo <geost@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Which model Westy
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Hi. I'm new to the Vanagon scene. I'll need a replacement for my aging 93
Saab 9000 at some point so I've been researching the various options. The
TDI Golf seemed like a great idea because it has some of the same qualities
I appreciate in the Saab: versatility and economy (but not the power).
Unfortunately it seems everyone got the same idea at the same time and TDI
Golfs are basically unavailable. Then I came across the various Vanagon
websites and was really impressed with it's increadible versatility and
reasonable economy. Seems it would be a practical daily car with the added
fun factor of camping which I've always enjoyed. What I'd like to wind up
with in terms of funcionality is something like this:
http://www.haywood-sullivan.com/vanagon/index.html. A late model TDI Westy
with a vegeoil option. My priorities are: safety, reliability, economy,
convenience, versatility, fun, pretty much in that order. I think it's best
to start with a junker and do a complete teardown & rebuild because I'll
know exactly what I have - what's good and what needs to be replaced or
repaired. Also I'll be able to put in the options I want instead of what I'm
stuck with. Does that make sense? The tricky part is finding someone
competant and reliable to do the job. I'll be moving to Norwalk, CT in a few
months. Any recommendations in the NYC or lower CT areas?
Anyway I have some questions I hope aren't too basic for the group.
Where can I find specs for the various models? For example what type of
transmissions were available, options, engines, etc.?
Which manual transmission is best for reliability and economy? I refuse to
drive an auto tranny esp. in a modestly powered vehicle like this.
Does it make sense to get a vanilla Vanagon and upgrade to a Westy?
How difficult is it to remove components like stove, fridge for daily
driving and reinstall for the occassional road trip?
How much of an advantage is the Syncro in daily use?
How much of a fuel penalty is there for the Syncro?
My impression of the original Bus was that it was a tin can in terms of
safety. The engine is in the back and there's not much of a crumple zone in
front. How much of an improvement is the Vanagon? Were airbags ever
available?
Thanks for your help.