Date:         Mon, 8 Oct 2007 16:02:35 -0400
Reply-To:     BJ Feddish <bfeddish@NETREACH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BJ Feddish <bfeddish@NETREACH.NET>
Subject:      Re: Short story in Der Speigel about the Vanagon
In-Reply-To:  <0d1401c809e3$61243c50$c901a8c0@w2ktopcat>
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Very crude translation of the site:

The average age that approximately 46 million passenger car in Germany is at
scarcely eight years, some cars is still clearly older. MIRROR ON-LINE ONE
tests with the help of the readers, where the strengths and the weaknesses
of the scrap metal lie. This time Axel Podubrin reports on its Volkswagen T3
Vanagon California, Baujahr 1990. Axel Podubrin: It happened in August 2005:
We drove with our VOLKSWAGEN T3 Vanagon by Switzerland. Over the Spluegen
passport it should go to Italy. Vollbepackt with three Surfboards and two
bicycles were we quickly on the way. Suddenly it smelled after smoke.
Frightened I looked myself over. There my wife stretched a small cake with a
candle for me against: Congratulations on 300,000 kilometers!
VOLKSWAGEN-BULLI T3: BUS FOR ALL SITUATIONS IN LIFE photo distance start:
Click on a pictue (4 pictures) The VOLKSWAGEN bus of the third generation,
built until 1990, is the last "genuine" Bulli with tail engine, and exactly
the same one wanted we 2001 to have: Inside with much place, but small
enough for parking spaces in the city, good overview by the high seating
position, large sliding door - even those advantages, which made the Vans
and region combinations so popular in recent time. The T3 however solid is
and so uncomplicated that one can repair much. Was considerable already at
that time, which 15 years old cars with run achievements can cost around
200,000 kilometers, but there are evenly enough people, which appreciate the
value of a good T3. Although one sees still amazingly many of these cars on
the road, they already belong to the classical authors: As is the case for
old timers one greets oneself among themselves. The scene is accordingly
well organized. And who wants, the hobby and finds fast connection can make
its T3 Gleichgesinnten in InterNet forums, with tables reserved for regulars
and meetings. Wanderduene on wheels SCRAP METAL - THEIR AUTO which
experiences made you with your older car? Send to us an e Mail to your scrap
metal: the most important technical data (type of model, Erstzulassung, HP
or KW), some photos or a video and above all your personal experiences. What
is good at the car, which is badly? Which adventures or anecdotes
experienced you with your car? The information is selected and cannot not be
honored unfortunately. With the entry you explain that the rights at text
and pictures belong to you. Get ready to the e Mail please:
altmetall@spiegel.de admitted: The terminal velocity of maximally 140 km/h
(without roof load, downhill with tail wind) makes it nowadays on the
motorway rather the wanderduene. To transport but if it concerns, times
evenly a couch set or 30 bags flower earth - no problem. Also on the way the
bus shows its qualities. Lack? Clearly! Apart from the fight against the
rust, particularly in the creases, never ending, something always remains on
the distance in the run the time. Except the usual parts such as battery,
generator and clutch already larger operations were necessary: Transmission,
front axle sockets, bremstraeger and naturally the engine, which the
previous owner had however already exchanged. The 1.6 turbo-Diesels usually
says good-bye after 150.000 to 200,000 kilometers. Then an outdated short
block assembly must ago - or it is inserted somewhat stronger. In order to
work against the Motorexitus, now an oil cooler helps to get the
construction dependent temperature problem into the grasp. TO the TOPIC ON
MIRROR ON-LINE scrap metal: All appeared so far each year go much time and
so some hundred into the maintenance. And nevertheless: It is worthwhile
itself. The repair costs are smaller than the depreciation of a newer model,
in addition the "dwelling" is larger between bank and front seats than with
the successors. And the car belongs to the family. We feel well therein, and
the older the crate becomes, the more grows the defiance against modern,
fast unit food. With the car we connect memories of beautiful vacation trips
between Tallin and Toskana, Carcassonne and Jokkmokk. Thus each travel a
little feels like vacation, even if one cranks only in the rush hour at the
truck steering wheel.

Bryan