1987 Volkswagen Vanagon AWD review from North America
"Worst vehicle I ever owned. If you value your life, don't buy one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Blown heads 3 times. EXPENSIVE to fix.
Cooling system problems.
You have to literally burp the cooling system if you open it up; requires positioning vehicle at very steep angle.
General comments?
This is AWD water cooled model.
This thing is DANGEROUS.
Lousy brakes.
Totally inadequate power.
Wind sensitive; SCARY in crosswind.
Unreliable.
Wouldn't shift easily until warmed up.
Wouldn't idle properly.
Parts hard to get, always expensive.
Accelerator and trans shifter mushy.
Heater and defroster inadequate.
Harsh ride.
AWD makes scary grinding noises in tight turn.
I HATED this thing and was glad to finally get rid of it.
Hard to work on, especially cooling system.
Ignition system vulnerable to rain.
Recommended reviews
| What a great, unique, utility, sporty, 4x4, roomy, slow, fun, campable car |
| 1986 - Vanagon GL 7-passenger Syncro 2.1 gas The most versatile vehicle I have ever owned |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 1987 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 0 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 1 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 86000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Vanagon |
| Date of Entry | 13th March, 2006 |