anyone drive a VW Eurovan? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

djugurba · #1 08-03-2004, 12:30 AM

I'm still holding out hope to find a 300TD to my liking, but I've started looking at other spacious offerings in the auto world, and was wondering what experience folks have had with the eurovan.

I've seen two- one a pop top camper (not sure I need all that, but you never know... wife might pitch me!) other is a multivan weekender... prices seem relatively cheap on these- any major things I should consider other than normal obvious stuff? they've got an audi 5 cyl gas engine... think an mb 5 cyl diesel would fit in there? ha ha..

oh, yes I know the samba and vwvortex... thanks!

thanks for the input!
Kevin

rickg · #2 08-03-2004, 10:17 AM

I have some friends that have one. They first had an older one, something like an '87 or so. I drove it and have to say it drove rather nice. Very gutless though. They now have a newer one, a 2002 I think it is. Have ridden in it a couple times, and drove it on the freeway once. Has the V-6, which while still not a real power house, scoots along nicely. Very comfortable and stable for a mini-van type vehicle. (I like it alot better than the '96 Dodge minivan my brother used to own)

The Warden · #3 08-03-2004, 12:09 PM

If you can go new, what about a Sprinter?

djugurba · #4 08-03-2004, 02:19 PM

Man, I wish. that is actually first on the list, but out of the price range for the time being... If I was looking at new eurovan though, I'd definetely do the sprinter- some are actually cheaper new!
I'm really just curious as to longevity on that audi 5 cyl engine. I know the automatics had issues; one of the ones I'm looking at has a brand new transmission, but big miles- the other one low miles and suspect transmission...
cheers,
Kevin

rickg · #5 08-03-2004, 03:03 PM

I'm not sure how close to the old Audi 5-banger the newer ones are. As Eric says, the old ones will outlast a Mercedes diesel I think. They're hard to kill. The only problem they had was after they went to hydralic lifters after '83. They'd clatter like a thrashing machine after 100k miles. But Later they went to a double over-head cam(1990-ish) and may not have been the same engine below the head.

rickg · #6 08-03-2004, 03:29 PM

Good to hear that!
Now, ask him how much problems he's had with the electricals. I'd be interested to see if they've solved that problem.

djugurba · #7 08-03-2004, 03:39 PM

argh! ye be hijackin' me thread will ye?

how about those extra fun power window regulators on your audis? sssllllooooowwww, then stop. I was also considering a 5kcsqt avant but they are few/far between without a nice rattle trap 5 cyl...
almost bit on a coupe gt that was for sale locally for $1000, but it was automatic so I passed. if it was manual I might have given a look!
-k

rickg · #8 08-03-2004, 04:03 PM

Hey, I'll make ya a package deal on all 3 of my Coupes. They're going up for sale. The '83 is for sale right now($800/OBO), the '82 is actually a better car body/engine/interior/tranny-wise, but has electrical issues. The '84 is a parts car. You can have all 3 for what I'm asking for the '83

djugurba · #9 08-03-2004, 04:18 PM

throw in three one-way tickets to washington and mabye we'll talk!

nah- I need a hauler to move these rugs around. almost bought an fj60 land cruiser last night! (thought maybe I could diesel-ize it...)

rickg · #10 08-03-2004, 06:22 PM

How 'bout a Unimog?

diesel
4x4
go anywhere
haul anything
get the babes

Zeitgeist · #11 08-04-2004, 10:20 AM

Our family is also looking into this type of rig. We'd like to find an '87-'91 Vanagon GL w/weekender package. I personally prefer the rear drive Vanagon over the front drive Eurovan. We had an '87 GL for 5 years and it was rock solid reliable and the perfect urban assault vehicle--lots of utility and maneuverability.

Both of these vehicles can be converted over to a 1.9L tdi engine, which should return around 30 mpg and offer approximately 115 hp in chipped form--very compelling.