1983 Volkswagen Vanagon GL review from North America

Transmission has been rebuilt twice. Master brake cylinder leaked for years until I got tired of adding brake fluid and put in a new one. Alternator brackets snap off repeatedly. Starter relay needed replacing at 160,000 miles.

I knew when I bought this old, high-mileage Vanagon for $3,000 that it would require some work and money to keep it running. I stripped out the old bench seats and converted it into a camping machine with a queen-size bed, wood cabinets, cook stove and fresh water tank - much more room than a Westfalia. My wife and I used this Vanagon to travel throughout Alaska three times along with our Golden Retriever. Sure, we had a few minor breakdowns, but it was a wonderful vehicle. The view through the front window and the ride were fabulous. We don't take long trips in it anymore, but still love driving it, locally. I'm having a new Wasserbox engine installed next week and also having it repainted and a new Alpine sound system installed. When you pump $4 to $5 grand into an old vehicle like an '83 Vanagon, you have to like driving it a lot - and I do!