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Date:         Sat, 27 Sep 2014 07:21:11 -0700
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: difference's between model years
Comments: To: "SDF ( aka ,jim lahey' - Scott )" <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
In-Reply-To:  <542677B5.6090500@turbovans.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

On Sat, Sep 27, 2014 at 1:39 AM, SDF ( aka ;jim lahey' - Scott ) < scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote: The short version and bottom line is, 87 is the first year with 'all the important changes finally done.'

t

Somewhat off the original posters question, and a personal opinion only________

If there was a basic 84 in perfect shape and a 91 in perfect shape with all the bells and whistles, side by side, there for my choice...and I didn't have to think about reselling eventually and both had identical aftermarket conversion engines...there would be no hesitation on my part, I'd take the 84 in a heartbeat.

As has been mentioned on this thread, weight and systems-complexity increased as the model years progressed. I don't find either of those desirable at all----- quite the contrary for me. I looked for quite a while to find a van without the bells and whistles.

One of the main reasons I like Vanagons (the old ones) is their very simplicity, their bottom-line utility. I find driving them is fun because they are light and nimble for a van, and I feel like I am actually involved in the process of guiding it through the countryside. I like being able to maintain them with very basic tools or complete most repairs on my own no matter where I am and without maxing out my credit card..

I suppose that if I lived in a metro-area and did mostly city and freeway driving I might prefer to be less "involved" with my driving environment...Automatic shifting, AC, power windows, power steering, fancy stereos, power locks...all those widgets, those are probably desirable there, but I prefer not maintaining those systems nor carrying the weight around every day in my van.

When I hear of grinding up a grade in second gear with one eye on the temp gauge, oil light glowing and the heater on to lower coolant temps...then I question the value of all the extra stuff in the vanagons...Of course, a well maintained one with a newer motor or a conversion, one with all the systems working perfectly, AC blowing cold, Cruise Control driving, video on in the backseat for the kids, heading to The Lake, or wherever...who could fault that?


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