Tan:
I have Vanagon Westfalia TD conversion (from NA) and I share your
appreciation of these vehicles. There's just nothing else like 'em.
When I investigated buying mine a few years ago, I did some research
on Eurovans as well. What I heard at that time was that the VR-6 was
a great motor, tho not particularly thrifty on fuel, but that the
auto transmissions were not very robust and very expensive to
replace. THey're sealed and supposedly never serviced! Also, later
model VWs are notorious for electrical problems, and quality problems
generally. That's why I ended up with the Vanagon, which I've been
very pleased with. I did spend a week touring all over England some
years ago in an early model Eurovan with a 5-cyl NA diesel and a
stick shift. I was very impressed. It would easily surpass 100 mph on
the motorway, handled nicely, rode comfortably if firmly, was fairly
quiet, and had very comfortable seats and lots of room. If I could
have scored a diesel/stick Eurovan Westy here, I would have been
interested--more speed and less noise would be nice.
Good luck--let us know what you find.
--
Dan Weeks
82 VW Westfalia 1.6 TD conversion 186k
82 Mercedes 300SD, 275k
