Faults:

A lot of things go wrong with a car/van over the course of 350,000 miles, but much of it could be expected. Among the surprises were six water pumps over the first 150,000 miles, four A/C overhauls (two major and two minor) and several trips to the body shop (the fiberglass bumpers shatter easily and cost a bundle to replace). The engine was replaced at 204,000 miles, but the mechanic who disassembled the old one said it could have been fixed with just a head job. It has been carefully maintained and between repairs, oil changes, filters, fluids, tires, brakes and everything else, we have spent over $28,000 over the 17 years and 350,000 miles. Despite toting six kids for all those years, the upholstery is still in remarkably good shape.

General Comments:

This is our third Vanagon (and fourth Type II), a perfect combination of space utilization and compact overall dimensions. The seats are all comfortable and large and the knee and head room accommodates even the most long-legged.

The cargo area in the rear over the engine holds an enormous amount and folding down the rear and middle seats enables an entire truck-load to be carried and then convert back to a passenger van in less than 30 seconds. It will carry a load of 12-foot-long lumber or 4'x8' sheets of plywood and weight has never been a problem. Yet it will turn around in any average intersection, is as nimble as a VW Bug and measures only 15-feet long.

Even with a three-speed automatic (our previous Vanagons had manual four-speed transmissions) the low-end torque is incredible: it will beat almost anything except a muscle-car off the line.

This car runs smooth and quiet on the interstate and is a great family vacation car. It is a reliable, hard-working everyday family car as well. Considering how tall it is, it is remarkably stable and good-handling. It gets 18-20MPG regularly and uses basic regular gasoline. It has never used oil and has been a great all-around transporter.

Its one Achille's heel is that being an unusual vehicle, not many know how to work on it or want to learn. The engine sits so low, it is amusing to see the instant oil change guys looking for the engine. A quick check of the rear shows that the cargo floor is too low for the engine to be in back ("it's not back here, it must be in front; no it's not here either- where is it?").

Faults:

My water pump went bad four times in three years.

My alternator went out at 131000 miles

My rear window washer motor went out at 50000 miles

All belts.

Rear heater core.

All hoses.

All ignition wires.

Speedometer.

Speedometer cable.

Gear shifter lights.

Sink on-off valve.

Refrigerator priming pump.

Driver door window opener.

Cigarette lighter.

Fuel pump-which is expensive!

Window drapery hooks, broken off.

Sink drain fittings undr car blown out.

Refrigerator exterior vent cover blown out.

Seat belt covers blown out, will not attach.

Driver dash board cover broken at screw attachments.

Exterior door handles falling off, need re-screw attachments.

Ignition wires keep slipping off the distributor cap and coil.

General Comments:

This car has character, and for a do-it-yourself guy, I love it.

Faults:

Master cylinder went out. Automatic transmission cooler failed causing tranny fluid and water to mix. Months of cooling system flushes to try and remove tranny fluid. Automatic transmission just started slipping severely in 3rd and reverse. Recurring cooling leaks at almost every joint or hose. Still loosing coolant and not sure where it goes. Engine has a bad "flat-spot" when it's cold. Rear window washer won't spray. Interior always smell like propane. Belts like to fall off, or get burned up really quick. Torn CV and power steering boots.

General Comments:

I always wanted a camper like this. In the 2000 miles I've driven this, I've had to be towed twice, have put lots of money and countless hours into making it solid and reliable. I think it's coming around, but it's been a love hate relationship. I won't be putting another automatic transmission in it. Stay away from the ATs! These vans are a lot of fun, but you must know how to work on cars or you better have good roadside insurance, or not leave the zip code.