Date:         Wed, 15 Jul 1998 10:08:11 -0500
Reply-To:     Scott P Johnson <beauxart@JUNO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Scott P Johnson <beauxart@JUNO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Having problems
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com

Here's my story:

I've owned VW vans almost continuously since 1980: a 72 dual-carb, four
77-79's, and now an 86 GL.

In that time:
1. I have pulled tandem axle U-Haul trailers from Minnesota to North
Carolina and Virginia (through the mountains) with an upright piano and
motorcycle and other furniture inside, and the van loaded with more stuff
(Oh, sure, I eventually had to replace the clutch . . , but you have to
now and then anyway);
2. From 93-97 we did performances in Virginia in schools -- and logged
25K miles each year;
3. And that's not counting the once or twice yearly trips to
Indiana/Minnesota and 2 extended trips to New Orleans, and to San Antonio
during that time;
4. And every one of these vehicles had well over 100K on them when I
bought/acquired them;
5. The current 86 was purchased less than 2 years ago for $2200 (with
144K on it); needed a transmission and muffler and some minor work. We've
put 50K on it since then (some of it at 80 MPH) only changing oil, new
brakes pads and shoes, and recently an alternator.

I'm not naturally mechanically inclined. I'm a "nerd" by nature -- more
comfortable with philosophy and the performing arts than replacing a
starter. But I found the VW's fairly easy to work on -- as long as I had
several of the manuals at hand to refer to.

Sure, I had my share of problems, and practiced my off-color vocabulary
plenty. The older buses have terrible heating systems. And summer cooling
isn't much better. And I've destroyed an engine or two, and have spent
lots of time beneath or "inside" of the things...

But considering the 500K I've put on these several buses over the years,
I've found them dependable, comfortable, and understandable.

Scott

                 I wish I were half the man I wish I were.

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