Vanagon Q's...best years / worst years?

werksberg

I'm thinking of getting a Vanagon in the near future and are there better years and bad years of Vanagons?

I know, any year model has good and bad cars made....but sometimes a particular model year are just bad.

What year range was Air Cooled and what year started was water cooled?

Was there any year with 1.8L Rabbit engine factory installed? Or are those just conversions? I have a spare 1.8L Rabbit and 2.0 ABA engines here...

Thank you to those that response. JM
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edgood1 · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:42 am Post subject:

The air cooled vanagons were '80-83.5. Personally, I'd never get an air cooled vanagon. I'm not knocking them at all..they're great, but If I were to get something air cooled it would be a bay window bus (which I have and love). I consider the vanagons as a whole more modern cars, so I like my vanagon watercooled and medium rare. Waterboxers are more powerful, run cooler and the heat is much better.

Later vanagons had a 2.1L engine, earlier 83.5-'85 had the 1.9L. Both have their ups and downs, but in then end they aren't all that different. No real noticeable difference in power. Don't expect to get anywhere in a hurry.

Here's my thoughts/opinions when looking to buy:

I only look at campers or weekenders these days. they are just more fun and can still seat 6 people if you have a middle seat. I like the '87 and up because of the interior updates. They have more comfortable seats/beds (those came standard '86 or so), and a more modern interior. I know others will think differently, but I consider all the '87 to '91 campers to about the same and they are the best of the vanagons.

The syncro four wheel drive version became available in '86. They have been going up in value for the past few years and will fetch a higher price. Definitely worth it if you like to go off-road and have the money to spend....but be warned if they have high miles be prepared to spend some serious money on 4x4 maintenance in addition to the other typical vanagon maintenance which will likely be required to keep the vehicle reliable.
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'65 Westfalia

D Clymer · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:48 am Post subject:

Generally speaking, the 1986-1991 Vanagons are the most highly evolved of all. The 83.5-85 1.9 wasserboxers are really good vans too though and they are considerably cheaper than the later models. The 80-83 air-cooled models are the only ones I would really steer clear of. They are much harder to do an engine conversion in since they are not set up with a radiator and most people find the original engine wanting these days.

David

kd4yor · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:58 am Post subject:

the diesel's
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82 Westy oil burner

Mr. Electric Wizard · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:03 am Post subject:

Another vote for the '87 to '91.
Very Happy

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MarkWard · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:19 am Post subject:

kbatson · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:29 am Post subject: 88's

I love both my girls!
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thewump · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 8:32 am Post subject:

From an aesthetics perspective, the later models are IMHO more attractive with slightly lower springs, nicer wheels and the wrap around fiberglass trim.

K
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87 Weekender

lowdowndub · Samba Member Joined: January 27, 2003 Posts: 416

I like the Chrome bumpers and round headlights of the older models.
Not to fond of all the plastic on the later models.... but there all great so it mainly personal preference.

edgood1 · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:05 am Post subject:

elpedro · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:26 am Post subject:

werksberg · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 9:48 am Post subject:

Great points everyone!

I just got off the phone with an old friend that HAD....(1 1/2 Month too late to call him...) a Vanagon diesel Westy that he had converted to a gas Jetta engine back in the day.

But a local guy had spotted it in his driveway and bought it for $2,000!
Bummer, as I have a 2001 Hyundai Accent 16v Twin cam, automatic, 4dr that would have been a great trade car for his daughter as she is getting her lic. soon!

I'll keep looking....

The fiberglass body panels people are talking about: Real fiberglass or polyurethane panels?
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PDXWesty · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:09 am Post subject:

Here's a quick model overview.

http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=54

And more reading material.

http://www.gowesty.com/library.php
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

tonyk · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 10:17 am Post subject:

speaking of chrome bumpers-anyone know where to pick up a rear chrome bumber for an 87 Westy? Mine's still there but has a big ol' dent in the middle. I'm in Idaho if that makes any difference.
Thanks, TK
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93 EVMV
96 Subi Out Back-the snow car

Vanagon Nut

MarkWard · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 11:02 am Post subject:

It is nice to have a wish list, but in the end, I think we end up with the one that comes along that is in our budget. Just like the one you missed out on. When you do miss out on one, just tell yourself it was not meant to be and move on. I hate rust. Look for one without rust regardless of year. You can live with everything else.
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ThorAlex · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 12:59 pm Post subject:

If rust matters get an 86-91. They improved the rust protection (a little) in 86. And the syncro apparently has galvanized doors (not sure why, never seen a rusty door). Good luck with the searching!
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1990 syncro 1.6TD "Smily"

Ex-vans:
1990 Caravelle coach 1.6TD
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werksberg · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 1:14 pm Post subject:

Rust? What is RUST in sunny So. Calif. areas?

Yes, no rust for me as I have gone down that road before.....but it is good to know the later years had better protection.
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Werksberg Products....Products that work!

Follow my new products on my Facebook Werks Berg
Click the below ADs link for products & feedback.
Search "werksberg" on Photobucket for products photos & Please remember to buy "American made products!"

reluctantartist · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 4:54 pm Post subject:

I have to chime in...I love my air-cooled. They are all slow the main thing is get one without rust and has been properly maintained. I think any of the years is fine then. The air-cooled's have options as well like the Camper Special engine, or you can do a watercooled engine swap. If you are looking for a camper in particular they all work the same when you get to your destination. But a rusted out anything is worse than a well maintained rust free air-cooled.
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1982 Westy, 1974 412 Variant... Yes, Aircooled's are great! Oh and I do have modern computer controlled vehicles too, but I just don't care about them.

vwmaniaman · Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:27 pm Post subject:

I vote for the 86 Westy. Brown inside so doesn't get that dingy grey look. Put in syncro front seats and enjoy the ride. They are thicker like the later seats and our has the manual locks and windows. Very reliable.


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Vanagon Q's...best years / worst years?
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