1989 Volkswagen Vanagon GL from North America - Comments

In the last year, a lot, new water pump, which may have caused the heads to go, which have led to a complete engine rebuild, and now I understand the ECU is not working, another 500-1000 dollars, It has not run for nearly a year because of bad mechanics and unfulfilled promises, however, the light at the end of the tunnel is, I think, nearing. Hopefully, she will be back on the road in a week or???...

Sadly, I am most in love with this vehicle, it is great for hauling my samples, dogs, wife, tools, building materials, the beach I love driving it more than my sportscar and almost as much as my motorcycle, maybe more. She is my fourth VW Van, second Vanagon, I can't find anything that will haul more, few problems, but less than my 16 year old boy, if I felt there was anything better to replace it, I probably would, but at the moment I've yet to find it.

Nothing better? There is the Toyota Van '84-'89

It even kind of looks like the vanagon, but is cheaper, more reliable, more powerful, and more fun!!!

And, the 4wd versions are real 4wd, not full-time syncro like the Vanagon.

To ensure better cooling and longer engine life, do change the thermostat, recommend the 160 degree. also change the fan switch at the radiator.

To improve gas mileage I use 3 ounces of acetone per 10 gal of 87octane gas. Expect 10 - 35% better mileage. You will also notice a smoother engine performance and increased performance. Check the following web site (smartgas.net)

I am the original owner of a 1984 vanagon. It currently has 205,000 miles. Original westphalia paint, no rust in this tropical Hawaiian weather. Just keep putting on the wax and change the oil regularly, it will keep you moving.

This is in response to the earlier comment about the '84-'89 Toyota vans being "better" than the Volkswagen Vanagon. I respectfully, yet completely disagree!

The Toyota van (and ALSO the Nissan van of the late 1980's), although it imitates the Vanagon's wedge/box look only has ONE edge/advantage over the Vanagon, as far as its stock engine (getting slightly better gas mileage: Toyota= approx. 18mpg vs. Vanagon's 16mpg, reliability, and higher top speed). However, it is NOTHING like a Vanagon. Show me any 1984-1989 Toyota van that you can haul the amount and/or size of cargo in it, or has pop-top second floor/bed, not to mention the beds, cabinets, space, or all-around utility.

Nowadays, you can upgrade a Vanagon to a Subaru 2.2. liter engine in it; it is completely superior to a Toyota van in EVERY category, from fuel efficiency, reliability, etc.. Comparing the '84-'89 Toyota van to a Vanagon is like comparing a regular station wagon to a Vanagon. You can't stand up inside a Toyota- you CAN in a Vanagon, and almost can (hunched over) inside even the solid/flat roof Vanagon. The 1984-89 Toyota van IS nice, and I DID actually look into buying one... but compared to a Vanagon, even with both the 2nd & 3rd bench seats removed, it wasn't much roomier than a large station wagon with its seats down.

This is regarding the Toyota vs Volkswagen comments. My parents have a 1986 Vanagon Camper and I have a 1984 Toyota van. Their van does 22 mpg and my Toyota van does between 24-28 mpg, depending if its highway or city. They too have had the trans fluid leaking into the engine problem (or vice versa, or both).

Another unfortunate problem is the oil dripping onto the exhaust manifold, causing clouds of black smoke pouring out of the engine. The Volkswagen is actually pretty reliable, but only because my parents can afford to fix it.

I like them both, but I think this is more of a class based argument rather than anything to do with what is more reliable. I have yet to see someone in the uplands with a Toyota van or Ford Aerostar. Good luck.