I agree that you have to realize that when you see this list you are seeing a great deal of the complaints and not a true picture of vanagon ownership.... so in that light Praise Report: My summer travels took me from Michigan to Pennsylvania and back without a hitch. The trip was about 2200 miles and I was heading out to pick up a '87 syncro. I packed my family of 6 into our '84 GL and away we went. Understand that I'm not one of the more compulsive types about maintenance. If it breaks, I fix it. Simple as that. (Thankfully, the list helps make that possible) Yes I do oil changes, but not always at 3000 mi, sometimes not even twice that. And yes, I carry a basic tools for a measure of security. The '84 has 202,000 miles. When I bought it, the heads leaked so I JB-Weld'd them. (about 100,000 miles ago). Other than the heads, all other maintenance was on things that I consider normal wear and tear. This list makes maintaining one of these possible. If I had to rely on a dealer, I couldn't afford any car out there. Back to the trip, the only "problem" was that I had to add oil occasionally due to a leaky main seal. I have the part and sooner or later I should put it in. I wouldn't hesitate to go across the country tomorrow if the need arises in this van. Thanks to the list and a well designed vehicle. (well mostly well designed :-) ) In summary, don't be discouraged about these quirky machines. If you treat them with any respect and learn some of the weak areas, there aren't many things that can't be fixed for the cost of a few new car payments. -soap box off- Mark Rokus '87 Syncro Westy GL '87 Syncro GL '84 GL '81 Westy |
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