VW Eurovan - To buy or not to buy?

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

Has anyone any experience with the VW Eurovan approx era 1999.

Should I be running like mad, or not.

I'm seeing some for around $7000 - $8000

ckissick · 02-13-2009, 10:51 AM

Check out www.thesamba.com forum on Vanagon/Eurovan. There is a new thread addressing your very question, so you don't have to sign up and become a member to ask or to use the search. One thing they say is, don't get an automatic.

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

Thanks will check it out.

Same about auto, cause that's what I my family would need.

BeyGon · 02-13-2009, 11:21 AM

Buy one with a bad motor and put a Subaru in it.

Porsche_monkey · 02-13-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyGon

Buy one with a bad motor and put a Subaru in it.

Mines almost done. Heading cross country soon.

NICKG · 02-13-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyGon

Buy one with a bad motor and put a Subaru in it.

that would be great in a vanagon..the Evan is front engine.
advice for a Eurovan? buy the newest one you can...get a VR6 and you will be a HAPPY person...they are great trucks. high miles are ok as long as the timing chains/guides are done on the motor...avoid 5cyl vans (early E van 92-96) if possible. expect to pay BIG $$ for a NICE 00-04 camper...as much as $50k

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by NICKG

that would be great in a vanagon..the Evan is front engine.
advice for a Eurovan? buy the newest one you can...get a VR6 and you will be a HAPPY person...they are great trucks. high miles are ok as long as the timing chains/guides are done on the motor...avoid 5cyl vans (early E van 92-96) if possible. expect to pay BIG $$ for a NICE 00-04 camper...as much as $50k

I saw the high prices of the campers, I'm more interested in the 7 seater Eurovan. I'm sure the looks aren't for many, but I really like them. The ones I have been seeing are all VR6 engined.

NICKG · 02-13-2009, 12:44 PM

the later mv is a great truck..any of the vr6 ones are really nice too...VERY reliable. I like them as well, they don't look like a normal caravan and they are very functional

porkee · 02-13-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattKellett

Has anyone any experience with the VW Eurovan approx era 1999.

Should I be running like mad, or not.

I'm seeing some for around $7000 - $8000

Run!!!

IMHO. For that kind of $$$ I would be looking at the Honda Odyssey. Practically bullet proof (being an ex-Honda dealer employee

) I think the Toyota Sienna should be considered as well. Just my $0.02.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

yeh - I think you have to justify why you want one over an Odyssey if you are not going for a Westie.

the VR6 is said to be the one to get

also, they don't have the Gnd. clearance of the ol Vanagons if that is an issue

Oh Haha · 02-13-2009, 02:26 PM

A friend had one.......until the transmission puked.

$3000.00 for a replacement.

He told them to keep the van and bought a new Passat on the spot.

He later found out that they do have some transmission issues.

That said, it is a cool grocery-getter.

rammstein · 02-13-2009, 02:31 PM

I think I would get an Odyssey over a Eurovan. A Vanagon would be a different story...

MattKellett · MattKellett's Garage

This had always been my problem, I've always liked the more unusual. I have no desire for Odyessy, Sienna or Caravan for that matter, all of which would more than likely be a better vehicle!!!

Damn, I wish I could get excited about something more reliable, maybe there's some self help group that can help me, I need an intervention!!!!!!

dd74 · 02-13-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyGon

Buy one with a bad motor and put a Subaru in it.

That's what I'd do - but with a blown out 911 engine. If I ever get another 911.