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1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Overview
The 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon was powered with a 1.9-liter, water-cooled four-cylinder engine that generated 83 horsepower, thanks to a fuel-injection system called the Digi-Jet. The rear-wheel-drive vehicle was also equipped with rack and pinion steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, and front and rear independent suspension.
Standard features for the Vanagon included reclining front bucket seats, a rear window defogger, three-speed windshield wipers, an electric windshield washer system, vinyl upholstery, and a four-speaker sound system.
A Vanagon VL version added velour upholstery, folding arm rests for each seat, tinted glass, a rear window wiper/washer, and a premium sound system. A Vanagon Camper was also available. It was equipped with a pop-up roof, a stove, kitchen cabinet and sink, a swivel table, and refrigerator. Air conditioning was available as an option.
Generally drivers seemed particularly attached to their Vanagons, even though the vehicles could be problematic at times, requiring expensive repairs, drivers noted.
What's your take on the 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon?
Cars compared to 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon
Looking for a Used Vanagon in your area?
CarGurus has 28 nationwide Vanagon listings and the tools to find you a great deal.
1985 VW Vanagon Needs To Idle For 10-15 Minutes To Heat Up The Transmission...
1985 VW Vanagon needs to idle for 10-15 minutes to heat up the transmission fluid before it goes into gear. Reverse works immediately, any forward gear needs to wait. Any helpful ideas?
Why Does My Clutch Push To The Floor On My 85 Vanagon Westie After Being In...
I parked my van in the Garage for the winter, she ran fine going in, and now the clutch pushes to the floor in the spring! Plenty of fluid ( min line) under the instrument cluster and no visible le...
85 Westy, Why Brakes Are Postsating?
1985 Vanagon1.9liter Sluggish Gas Mileage Is Terrible
Won't accelerate no power gas mileage cut in half did tune up. Plugs distributor cap air filter fuel filter blows black smoke
Just Bought A 85 Water Cooled Fuel Injected Seems That It Has All The Probl...
wont run consistently,, constanly quiet or loses power , rough idle, bad milage, have replaced fuel pump 5 times, will then run about 200 miles, replaced computer, no one seems to know about this beas...
- Camper Passenger Van
- 2 national listings
- GL Passenger Van
- L Passenger Van
- 1 national listing
MyMatilda I have a special attachment to my 1985 Vanagon. My late husband bought it for me. We were married in 1985. So, when we started looking for one and found a 1985 automatic, it seemed like the perfect one for me. My husband said it was like a giant purse for me to put whatever I wanted to haul around with me. Because there is a pullout table in it, it has been used for car picnics with my grandchildren and great grandchildren. I love driving it and being up higher than driving in a car. I have been desperate for money many times, but I can't seem to bring myself to sell it. When my other car's motor went out, I was forced to drive my van all the time. I am still driving it. I know that things go wrong with old cars, but so far I've been able to keep it running. I make sure I keep my AAA membership active just in case I have a breakdown though. What I have to do is check my water reservoir regularly because if it gets dry, all the lights on the dash start flashing and I have to have it towed. So, it's very important to check that. I check every day in hot weather and every other day in cool weather. All in all, I love my van and I hope I can keep it running for a long time. It has about 60,000 original miles on it.