[MBZ] Eurovan Opinion

[Dan Weeks]

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

[MBZ] Eurovan

[Dan Weeks]

I have a diesel Vanagon, the earlier style VW van made from 80-92. 
Mine's an 82, retrofitted with a 1.6 VW TD. It's a Westfalia Camper. 
Stone axe simple, underpowered unless you're used to a 4-cyl MBZ 
diesel, and probably the best-built, most efficient small 
self-contained camper ever made. A handfull in the wind, otherwise 
drives very nicely and is cavernous inside, rides well and will haul 
a ton and ride level while doing it. I love it.


Unfortunately, the Eurovan doesn't get such high marks, from what I 
hear. They're complicated and have a rep for being unreliable. The 
diesel is not made here. Too bad, as I spent a couple weeks touring 
the UK in one with the 2.5l NA 5-cyl diesel. With six people in it, 
it was difficult to keep under the ton line (100 mph) on the 
motorways, was spacious, and handled quite well. Unfortunately, the 
throwout bearing went out toward the end of that trip. The V6 is 
supposed to be a nice engine, but for the considerably money, you can 
probably do better with a honda or toyota.


Dan

Anyone have/had one of these?  How are they?  Is the TDI an option?

Think of replacing a Dodge Caravan.

Allan
--
1983 300D
1966 230
--
Dan Weeks
82 VW Westfalia 1.6 TD conversion 186k
82 Mercedes 300SD, 275k