1984 Volkswagen Vanagon review from North America

Air intake cracked.

I bought my '84 from my Dad, who bought it from the original owner. It was driven around an area with no salt on the roads, so even after 25 years of Canadian winters it's still rock solid everywhere. Pull into a campsite, fire up the stove, pull the curtains and you're cooking dinner in your living room in 10 minutes... quicker than setting up a tent!

My Dad drove it coast-to-coast and back across Canada, and I drove it nearly coast-to-coast myself, camped very comfortably every night, and it's been our second 'around town' vehicle for four years with only one problem. The intake manifold cracked and messed up the air/fuel mixture causing some really rough running sporadically and one breakdown. After tracking down the problem, one part replaced and we've been good to go since. Could've used duct tape, but didn't want to spoil the pristine condition!

Two new babies and no means to install car seats means her days may be numbered with our family, but she's beautiful, rock solid and a fabulous way to spend some time in the woods! For those concerned about power on hills... what's your hurry?!? Gear down and chill! Get in touch with your inner hippie and relax.