1983 Volkswagen Vanagon GL review from North America

Heads replaced at 85000 miles. VW paid for the parts; I paid for the labor.

Coolant tubes from radiator to engine replaced. 10 hours labor! (fuel tank had to come out, etc)

Over the years (21), have had almost everything replaced exc. transmission, engine, front end, alternator, starter. Most of the main systems on this vehicle have performed admirably.

Over the years (21), I have had almost everything replaced except. transmission, engine, front end, alternator, starter. Most of the main systems on this vehicle have performed admirably for 24+ years!

After buying this vehicle in California in early 86, I moved with it and my wife and dog to Oregon.

In 1987, I brought our son home from the hospital after his birth.

Took same son to school on his first day of Kindergarten in 1993.

Ditto, 1st day of middle school (1999).

This bus (Annie) brought our son to his Bar Mitzvah at age thirteen (his age not Annie's) 2001.

First day of HS (2001)

Graduation (2005)

Dragged many of his belongings to college at U of Oregon (2005).

And maybe the most amazing thing that Annie has done was to pull a tent camper (750 lbs) all over the West on family vacations! From Southern California to Yosemite to Redwood Coast to Vancouver BC (6 times) to Jasper and Banff in the Canadian Rockies, and almost everywhere in between!

My mechanic said that pulling the trailer would eat my transmission alive! Well, 19 years after buying the Tent Trailer, the tranny is going strong and the mechanic is out of business!

I know that tomorrow, the whole Bus could blow out, but as you can tell, I'll always have the Legends of Annie the 1983.5 Waterboxer!!

I've told my wife that if I go before her (the wife, not Annie), my wish is to be buried in her on our Oregon land! She said that she'd think about!

As this narrative ends it is clear that Annie has been a large part of all the Landmark moments I've had in the last 20- plus years.