1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$12,610 to $17,510

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(10 reviews)
1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon

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User rating:
by wolf c
Nov 18, 2020
the vanagon is a very desirable vehicle.... but most are very overpriced. most seem to think they can get a restored price for a vehicle with rust issues and extremely high mileage. Nov 18, 2020
by Kelly T
Sep 30, 2012
Love everything overall...great for camping quick get a ways, handles much better with the 15' tires & rims, Monroe gas shocks, although makes for a little rougher ride. I bought it from a VW Mechanic who made it look really nice but found out the hard way that was it, lots of problems, ugh!!!!Sep 30, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 08, 2010
Vanagons are a brick in the wind yet are suprisingly driveable. the 1.9L boxer 4 is capable of keeping up with traffic at 20 - 22 mpg. build quality is endorsed by quantity of survivors. 2nd & 3rd row seats remove to accomodate so much whatever ! type 2's ARE the original SuV's! pure German form/function rationale.Dec 08, 2010

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Pricing

Original MSRP
$12,610 to $17,510
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Roof

OEM roof height: undefined

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Passenger Seating: 9 · Upholstery: cloth

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Roof

OEM roof height: undefined

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Truck Features

Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Roof

OEM roof height: undefined · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: captains chairs · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (3)