Date: Wed, 15 Jul 1998 11:51:12 -0700
Reply-To: Sam Scholten <vwvanagon@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Sam Scholten <vwvanagon@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Vanagon problems
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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.
>
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