Volks, I'm sure that many of us would agree that at least some of the problems that many of us experience are due to PO neglect, ignorance, or incompetence. I doubt that anyone who has looked at VWs that are at least 10 years old hasn't seen at least one that had some kind of serious neglect-related problem or a jerry-rig of some sort. Mine had a strong motor but all kinds of little BS that I had to sweat- the horn, the ignition switch, some Rube Goldberg-like contraption bypassing the starter relay (now, come on...), ancient cooling hoses, a stuck window regulator, a floppy driver's side mirror, etc. etc.- just plain ol' dumb $#!+. I guess this is a universal experience- the bass player in our band has just picked up a Chevy 10 van, and is having to do some serious rewiring. The PO had disconnected just about everything just to squeeze about ¼MPG more out of it. In addition, the motor is seriously out of tune (kinda hard to reach to time it, even compared to a '72 VW van), and the exhaust is shot from the CAT back. I guess that this just comes with the territory. :) Have fun, Sam
---Colin Moran <cmoran@CSWNET.COM> wrote: > > Hello David, > I think you have gotten the wrong impression. Vanagons are > reliable. What you see on the list is the problems that need > correction. Just as if you sat in a doctors office and listened to the > patients talk, you would get the idea that people are always sick. > I have an '86 Syncro, I am the second owner and have had it since > it had 58,000 miles. My van had 202,000 miles on it when it had a major > problem. The problem was one I caused. I let the oil get low and cause > a bearing to spin. prior to that I had only minor problems with the > van. It has never left me stranded. > I plan to put in a new engine and keep the van for a long time. I > do all my own work so finding a good mechanic is not a concern. If you > buy a Vanagon this list will make you a good mechanic. I have saved > alot of money by doing the things this list talks about. > It would be better to ask what people like about their vans to get > an idea of if it is the vehicle for you. You can't go wrong buying a > Vanagon, just be aware of whats going to need attention. > Good luck finding your new ride. > -- > Colin Moran > Beebe Ar. > '86 Syncro GL > "The Bronze Brick" > 202,000 and awaiting a new motor. > _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com |
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