Date:         Sat, 4 Nov 1995 18:38:49 -0500 (EST)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         william killian <killian@qnet.com>
Subject:      Re: Help Me Before I Spend a Fortune!

My opinions only of course...

On Sat, 4 Nov 1995, Dan Herbert wrote:

> We had just about resolved to keep fixing the 1988.
> Having examined the Eurovan camper and been severely
> underwhelmed by the loss of interior space compared to 
> our Westy, we thought that we would bite the bullet,
> and work to keep ours on the road indefinitely.
> 
> Unfortunately, we reviewed the VW Web Site the other
> day, and were hooked by the photos of the Winnebago
> modified long-wheelbase camper.
> So, before I pony up Cdn $45,000 (which I don't have),
> can V@L members advise me? 

Is this the Rialta with the 'big box' or the lengthened normal box?  I 
can't quite decide from your information.  At that price I'm guessing 
Rialta but I'm not up on the current exchange rate from our Yankee money.

> Is the 5-cylinder reliable?

Other than the piston slap it sure seems to be.  Ours is still young though.

> Is the front-engine design sorted out yet?  

Been doing front wheel drive since 1975 I believe and the T4 since 1991 
or 1992 I believe.

> Is the 4-speed automatic any good?

I'm not overwhelmed by it.  It certainly works but I would have preferred 
to have the manual transmission.

> Is the paint better?

Better than what?

> Should I see my bank manager?

Can't really answer that for you.  We're thinking about getting a Rialta 
but had expected to wait for the VR6 in a year or so.  TO add to not 
replace our VW stable.

bill killian
'93 EV MV
'73 Things (3)