1984 Volkswagen Vanagon from North America - Comments

Gas tank leaked horribly at the station when we put too much gas in (over-flow?). Don't do that.

Dash lights don't work.

Heater switches malfunctioning.

Expecting trouble with heads and cooling system, but nothing yet.. fingers crossed.

Spunky van for it's size and economical.

Great clearance for off road traveling.

Really nice ride, nice driver position.

Great for playing "bus driver".

It sounds like that is my '84 Westy.

Gas tank seals gone, heater switch, dash lights and mine has a flickering oil light when its hot at idle.

It's a good rig overall. Great with a little kid.

I have '84 westy too. Overheats in slow traffic and the oil light comes on when hot. The oil light has freaked me out for a long time. As a vehicle it is much more of a challenge to drive effectively, but as a camper it is great.

Derek.

Great review. The flickering oil light may be due to using Fram or aftermarket oil filters. Try the Autobahn filters that restrict the oil flow less. It worked for me!

Try using a heavier weight oil. Especially if your vanagon has over 100k.

I loved this van, but it's time to part!! I have an '84 mannual transmission and it has plenty of power to pass on the highway. Mine has 194K miles now!! All the seals around the pop up the sunroof and pretty much all windows are shut and leak... but it still runs great and I had very little trouble with it. You have to take this car to a mechanic who is very familiar with old VW (the dealer messed up mine once and I found this guy who found problems within 5 minutes of looking at it). It will probably go to the SPCA as a donation.

Just bought an 84 Vanagon, blue and roomy, lots of pep and it seems the usual small bugs to prove it's 24 years old but strong and lookin' fine. I love my new van and if it breaks down I'll fix it, or if it's terminal it'll make a great dog house... The wide steering wheel will take a few days to get used to, but that's my worst trouble so far. :) :) :)