Date:         Thu, 14 Dec 1995 15:08:15 -0800
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff DeLeeuw <jdeleeuw@oz.net>
Subject:      RE: any EuroVans out there?  (and prob. to watch for)



----------
>From: 	William Alan Killian[SMTP:killian@qnet.com]
Sent: 	Thursday, December 14, 1995 12:24 PM

=========================================================================
Date:         
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         
Subject:      Re: any EuroVans out there?  (and prob. to watch for)

On Thu, 14 Dec 1995, Norman Leong wrote:

> While I'm here, I'm coming up on the end of the 2 year =
bumper-to-bumper
> warranty;
> Has anyone compiled a list of final checks for the dealer to go over =
before
> we as owners
> grab our ankles?
> This (so far) has been the most reliable VW I've owned yet, but =
occaisionally
> I hear
> interesting sounds from the engine that make me wonder...
>=20
> Norman
> norman_leong@baynetworks.com

We're approaching the same point but through mileage not age (bought it=20
as new in late '94), so we too are interested in this.

I'm getting real unhappy with the sound of the engine as it starts in =
the=20
morning.  The local dealer swears that it isn't that 'piston slapping=20
thing'.  They claim that it is only if the sound is always present=20
contradicting the information posted here earlier.  Is the piston slp=20
problem a drive train thing that would give me extra time or is it only=20
under the 24/24 bumper to bumper?  What do I do to convince the dealer=20
to reasses the engine?

The "piston slap thing" IS covered by the drive train warranty, but the =
problem is not catastrophic failure, but rather reduced engine =
longevity. The problem most certainly is audible only when the vehicle =
is started, and then only for about 20-30 seconds. Don't take my word =
for it, check around. Both my local mechanic and the VW dealer told me =
this was so. My dealer in Ballard, WA gave me no heartburn whatsoever =
about the diagnosis and replacement. I would pursue this matter further =
if I were you.

 We have (unfortunately) an automatic so does the shifter problem =
pertain=20
only to sticks? =20

What shifter problem? This is a new one on me.

I really do feel this is an exceptionally well designed vehicle (despite =

the '90s levels of plastic). =20

I agree. This vehicle is great!

Jeff



----------
>From: 	William Alan Killian[SMTP:killian@qnet.com]
Sent: 	Thursday, December 14, 1995 12:24 PM

=========================================================================
Date:         
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         
Subject:      Re: any EuroVans out there?  (and prob. to watch for)

On Thu, 14 Dec 1995, Norman Leong wrote:

> While I'm here, I'm coming up on the end of the 2 year =
bumper-to-bumper
> warranty;
> Has anyone compiled a list of final checks for the dealer to go over =
before
> we as owners
> grab our ankles?
> This (so far) has been the most reliable VW I've owned yet, but =
occaisionally
> I hear
> interesting sounds from the engine that make me wonder...
>=20
> Norman
> norman_leong@baynetworks.com

We're approaching the same point but through mileage not age (bought it=20
as new in late '94), so we too are interested in this.

I'm getting real unhappy with the sound of the engine as it starts in =
the=20
morning.  The local dealer swears that it isn't that 'piston slapping=20
thing'.  They claim that it is only if the sound is always present=20
contradicting the information posted here earlier.  Is the piston slp=20
problem a drive train thing that would give me extra time or is it only=20
under the 24/24 bumper to bumper?  What do I do to convince the dealer=20
to reasses the engine?

Only things we've ad problems with so far are the various plastic pieces =

particularly on the MV jump seats.  The clips break off and the seatbelt =

parts scratch them.  We also had one of the cup holders break and the=20
replacement was slightly different - beefier looking so I hope it holds=20
up better.  Don't have power windows so we didn't have that problem.  We =

have (unfortunately) an automatic so does the shifter problem pertain=20
only to sticks?  There was a recall that did affect us but I can't=20
remember what it was.  Something minor like an engine fire problem <g>.

I really do feel this is an exceptionally well designed vehicle (despite =

the '90s levels of plastic). =20

bill and diane killian
zen and the art of ferrets