Date: Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:50:55 -0700
Reply-To: Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: looking at 91 Vanagon GL
In-Reply-To: <abqbooz3.fsf@cs.indiana.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Hey, I know you. You're from Rusty's Mercedes list. Welcome aboard, Allan!
If the heads have recently been replaced (and done right), then as long as
you change out the coolant periodically, I've found that they typically run
between 100k and 120k before requiring additional attention--sometimes more
and sometimes less--depends.
As for crashworthiness, I seem to remember a video showing a Vanagon going
up against a Volvo 7-series in a frontal crash, whereby the van completely
eviscerates the Volvo. Not sure how accurate that assessment is, though. I
feel pretty safe in my '89 Wolfsburg, though not quite as much as my
Mercedes...well, duh!
Casey
On 10/21/07, Allan Streib <streib@cs.indiana.edu> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Just joined the list -- I went to look at a 1991 Vanagon GL for sale
> near here, it seems solid. There are a few interior and exterior
> cosmetic issues, but nothing really out of the ordinary for a 16 year
> old vehicle. More significantly, the shifter linkage is sloppy, hard
> to find the gears but it shifts and drives well otherwise. I see
> there is a "gear shift repair kit" available:
>
>
> http://catalog.worldpac.com/buymb/wizard.jsp?header=header.jsp&footer=footer.jsp&partner=buymb&clientid=buyeuroparts&baseurl=http://www.buyeuroparts.com/&cookieid=27J1BJHBW27J1BJSKD&year=1991&make=VW&model=VAN--003&category=All&part=Gear+Shift+Repair+Kit
>
> Would that likely restore a more precise shifter feel?
>
> I found two recalls on this model year, one related to a fuel hose
> clamp, and one related to the center air duct. Will dealers still
> honor those? The center air duct is sagging in a way that matches the
> problem description in the recall notice, so I'd like to get that
> fixed if I decide to buy the van.
>
> Also, I'm a little concerned about crashworthiness, there seems to be
> very little in front of the driver in these vehicles. Can anyone
> comment on that?
>
> Any other common problems I should check for? I asked about head
> leaks and seller says there is no sign of any problem right now; the
> engine has had new heads installed.
>
> I'm also going to look at a 2002 Eurovan -- I know it's difficult to
> directly compare these vehicles, certainly the prices are in two
> different ballparks, but am interested if there are any significant
> issues with that model as well.
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Allan
>
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