My first Vanagon spoiled me and it’s smallcar’s fault

[camerahunter]

I posted to another thread about not using smallcar for an engine swap but using Ben instead.
I wanted to clarify this in public to set the record straight.

Now, Why would I use Ben over smallcar? Because Ben has been very helpful to me on this forum. I have learned a lot about my van from him and his site and I appreciate that. The only reason I wouldn't use smallcar for a swap is because I cannot afford the cost to do a swap. Heck, I can't afford Ben either and will most likely never do a swap. I like the waterboxer engine just fine.

I am getting quite good at fixing things and really enjoy these Vans. Why else would I own THREE of them?

I talk to people in the community all the time and always send them to smallcar, not mousemeat or that other one out off 512.

I like Brian very much. He runs a top notch shop. My first van which I still own is the Blue 85. I had his shop rebuild the engine and a bunch of other things because I loved the van and wanted to get everything done to make it a reliable vehicle. Being a new owner and having no knowledge of how the van worked I had a million questions and was very worried about how long the this work would last. It has exceeded my expectations and Brian’s predictions.

He did everything I asked and answered all my questions. This van has only missed one trip in the last 14 years and that was this week. I have been spoiled by how reliable this van is and have found that this is not normal. The only reason the van missed a couple of days of travel is because I couldn't get the water pump swapped and I broke the Hall Sender. Next time I need to change the water pump I will take it to smallcar.

The van has traveled well over 350,000 miles and the idle has never surged, it never failed emissions, the head gaskets haven't leaked, it's never overheated, the oil pressure light has never came on, it has always gotten good gas mileage, and it is still our daily driver. We call it ole blue.

If you are in the area and want to have your van given the once over so it’s all good to go smallcar is the best place for that. It’s worth every penny you will spend. To date I have almost $8K into this vehicle for 14 years of driving. All I have had to do is keep up the maintenance and it just might last as long as mine.

Thank you,

David
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1984 - Daily driver

[vwjedi]

With just over 240k miles I'm into mine for a little over 10gs for 6 years of ownership. I do all the work myself, alot of the money is in upgrades, accessories, stereo, tires, stuff that is not "needed". I did drop $1800 for a new manual trans though, that is the biggest dollar item.

These Van's get a bad wrap from years of deferred maintanance and improper coolant usage. Of the many, many VW's I have owned it has even been more reliable than my '04 Passat.

They really are pretty bullet proof if treated right. Glad to hear you also have good experience with Smallcar.com I have never dealt with them but I would be willing to plug Daryl at AA transaxle as he was extreamly customer service oriented and built me a fantastic transmission.

Keep 'em rolling!
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1987 Wolfsburg T25 still riding out. A bunch of other VW's passed on...

[crowinghen]

Thanks for the info-- it's always nice to have someone if you really need a mechanic.... I'm suspicious of all mechanics, unfortunately, so that makes it really difficult if you really NEED one!

Susie
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1984 Westfalia a work in progress " Butters"

[WhiteH2O]

I am trying to decide who to take my van to for a tune-up and for a pre-roadtrip check over. I was thinking of Smallcar or one of the others in the area. Hearing this, it looks like I might make the trip over to Smallcar.

I have had my van for about a year and a half, and the only problems I have had are a clogged fuel filter and a bad battery ground. I want to keep this thing running in tip top shape, so if I can get Smallcar to do for me what it sounds like they did for you, I will be set.
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1985 Wolfsburg Weekender- 2.5L Subie Power
2002 Subaru WRX Wagon
1998 Subaru Legacy EJ257 Swap, 410 AWHP (sold)