I used to buy them at about 150k and dump them well before 300k. They may have lasted a lot longer time but I always needed dependability.

Actually all kidding aside the 86 was the first year with hydralic lifters and given a chance was perhaps the best diesel volkswagon of that era.

There is nothing simular available on the new market in north america. Parts where relatively cheap and it was very simple to fix.

I flogged enough of them all over north america to develop a decent respect for what they where. Today their their vintage styling looks out of place to me.