Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 10:52:44 -0400
Reply-To: L&A Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: L&A Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject: Re: on "upgrading" to Eurovan
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Gerald Rees wrote:
> Our '89 Wolfsburg Edition Weekender has been a treasured member of the
> family for ten years and is still in good shape, but we decided to replace
> it with a new Eurovan. We want to drive to Alaska again, and at age 75 I
> just didn't feel like facing the possible hassles of mechanical troubles
> along the way. (On our last trip, the water pump gave out at Dawson Creek,
> 1500 miles from the nearest VW dealer.) After three weeks, we have mixed
> feelings about the change.
DON'T DO IT
> There are many good things about the Eurovan
> such as front-wheel drive,
Why is engine-in-front driving the front wheels better than engine-in-back
driving back wheels. If fact it is worse because the front wheels have to be
able to steer too. Too many traction demands to be optimal.
> quiet, accessible and powerful engine with more
> speed than I will ever use,
So put a new powerful engine in your Vanagon. And as you said, you don't need
the speed. You can't enjoy the scenery when driving fast anyway.
> some welcome engineering changes and a
> generally more solid feel.
The Win-a-bagel is NOT as solid as your Vanagon. The Vanagon rattles but it is
SOLID.
> But there just isn't the living space. Why did
> they make the huge storage space under the back seat accessible only
> through a tiny opening in a useless plastic cover? (Can I get that cover
> off without destroying it?) Why no access to the spaces under the front
> seats? Why make the table so you can't put it up when the bed is made? (I
> fixed that by removing the leg and improvising a support bracket.) Why is
> that ugly heater vent sticking up behind the right front seat? (Can I
> remove that and block the vent without something overheating?)
You answered your own question. Westfalia did it like a small yacht;
Win-a-bagel did like a house.
> I was shocked when the local dealer offered me $300 for the vanagon.
> Although it has 150,00 miles on it, it looks like new. It is probably
> about due for head gaskets, but that's the only problem I'm aware of.
> Maybe I should have put a couple thousand dollars into repairs and not
> bought the new one.
I agree. Hold on to it. Love it. Who could love a Eurovan?
My Monday Rant
Larry