VW Vanagon quality compared to MB - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JWJ · #1 06-22-2006, 03:40 AM

I have been eyeing a few early 80s Vanagon Campers. They did make diesels.

Most look horrible when compared to my two MBs from the same age. I have a '00 VW Golf TDI - the quality is okay.

Were the VW Vanagons just low quality or do most owners just abuse them?

danwatt · #2 06-22-2006, 03:53 AM

Boss has one. Slow, but he's had it since new and it's in pretty good shape.

Full camper package. He has nice lunch breaks.

greasybenz · #3 06-22-2006, 04:10 AM

grandpa had 2 vanagon's, one was a diesel and one was a gasser.

I think it depends on what they were used for that would tell you the condition of the van.
My grandpa used the diesel vanagon to lug around home ornaments and such that were brass and very heavy! to sell at the local flea market. Since this is what my grandpa did every saturday and sunday the vans interior was pretty roughed up.

The gasser vanagon was used as the family van and was used throught the 5-day "work week" carrying his family and cleaning goods since he was a janitor at a middle school.

When he had his 2nd stroke he couldnt drive anymore and decided to sell the 2, to my knowledge the gasser one still runs. A family friend still owns it.
My aunt bought the diesel one and the engine blew on the drive up to redding.

i think it was just because the engine was probably more tired from yanking all that heavy brass home ornaments.

Veloce300DT · #4 06-22-2006, 05:00 AM

They tend to be rather robust means of transportation when cared for. And if they have been cared for it obviously shows. They are rather underpowered, but are extremely useful!

A buddy of mine has been driving his fathers old late 80's Vanagon Syncro for the past 5 years. he LOVES it. Its a pretty amazing van! Prior to purchasing it from his father, it had been well cared for- his father owned it from new and it was used as a daily driver for the most part. Used occasionally for trips here and there. Its care shows, the paint is flawless, the trim is flawless, everything is beautiful- its been garaged all its life which helps! But needless to say it has held up quite well, and has covered over 200K miles rather flawlessly, minus the minor quirks associated with VW's Syncro system.

Another friend of mine has owned a standard Vanagon passenger van- he found it in the local paper listed with 150K miles in great shape. And that it was- inside and out. Another well cared for example. It runs great, we have taken countless trips throughout California in it and it has never broken down.

Fit and finish are of 80's VW quality- built and designed with integrity, but lacking in that quality manner that older MB cars spoil us with. The honda of German cars. Relatively durable, and quite utilitarian.

Id defiinitely buy an older Vanagon in a heartbeat if I needed a van.

Look for a well cared for example, and you cant go wrong. There are quite a few Vanagon enthusiast groups out there in addition to other VW clubs where you might be able to find a nice Vanagon lurking listed in the classifieds, along with first hand opinions of ownership, and maintenance info & tips.

1980'sw VW build quality was better in my opinion then than it is NOW. The simplicity of the older models works in your favor.

Keep your eyes peeled for a peachy one and youll be a happy camper! (Esp. if its a Westfalia).

Veloce300DT · #5 06-22-2006, 05:06 AM

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Invaluable Vanagon upgrade!