Comparing to a 2001 Passat that I currently own in my opinion the Passat is a far more difficult vehicle to own despite that it is only 8 years old. The first time when the check engine light came on I could never solve it myself. Eventually it was fixed by a dealer under warranty by reprogramming the ECU. That's something I will never be able to do myself. That was almost 5 years ago. It just got a smog check yesterday and it passed thanks god. I know next time when the check engine light comes one again either it will break my bank or I have to give it up. I was told it would cost me $3k to replace both catalytic converters. The market of a used 2001 Passat is no more than $5k. I can not imagine how in the world I have kept my Vanagon for 25 years. The only answer to this is there is no such a thing as Vanagon difficulty for the 25 years passed. My total cost of owning it for 25 years excluding oil and gas is less than $1k per year. So to me there is really no such a thing as Vanagon difficulty. I remember been warned by someone that the wasser boxer engine is so unreliable that a trip to Yosemite will break it. Well, In the past several years I have driven my Vanagon to Yosemite something like 5 times a year. I am totally confident that the engine is in fact incredibly rugged and reliable. David |
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