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Displaying all 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon reviews reviews.
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Camper Passenger VanReview
jennyfromPNW writes:
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Vw Westy — Bought to be used as an occasional vehicle and it is great when used for that. We did use it as a primary vehicle for a short time and it was not ideal. Modified it a bit over time to include head-rests in the back for the kiddo along with should strap seatbelts. The rest of the interior is great. Lots of mechanical work done and it is essentially a new vehicle under the hood! Exterior is next (painting and rust removal).

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

Pros: Great for camping and roadtrips

Cons: Old car so not reliable! Have slowly replaced all of the mechanical parts so this is improving!

4 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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1986 Volkswagen VanagonReview
Redsky13 writes:
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Well Worth Refurbishing — With the conversion to a Subaru engine the performance makes it drive like a new vehicle. Strong and quiet. All the camping gear is in good order including the fridge. It is great for camping and has a small carbon footprint for an RV.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

Pros: They are worth refurbishing and a pleasure to camp in.

Cons: Can be a money pit to get it into great shape.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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1986 Volkswagen VanagonReview
Brian writes:
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You Need To Be Familiar With All Aspects Of Vw Maintenance Or Great Vw Mechanic — 1986 AWD Sycro Versatile, 4wd great for touring, camping, hauling kayaks or lumbar. Weak brakes, takes inclines in 3rd gear no power on high end. Cost plenty to maintain due to age and lack of available parts. Repainted 95% full on restore

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

Pros: Versatile

Cons: Maintenance costs

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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1986 Volkswagen VanagonReview
frnkconstantino writes:
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A Project Car, Not A Daily Driver — VW Vanagons are unreliable, expensive to fix and maintain, and underpowered - why do people buy these? Cuz they're "cool" and unusual. Fun (when they're working) but impractical, if you want RELIABLE all-wheel drive, buy a Toyota Previa Van or a Subaru!

Primary Use: Family transportation

Pros: fun to drive

Cons: unreliable, expensive to fix

3 of 7 people found this review helpful.
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1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Passenger VanReview
huertat writes:
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Great For Burning Man — It's been a real good van, just need something smaller. Kids have grown and going off to college. I just drive it back and forth to work. It's been real realiable, i know someone can have some real fun with this van..

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Pros: Great for BURNING MAN.Low maintenance

Cons: To big, boys are going off to college

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Displaying all 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon reviews reviews.

Reviews From Other Years

1991 Volkswagen Vanagon Reviews

Great Vw Carat Transporter Model Exterior Restored-- Last Of Its Kind By svensenVanagon91

Overall this van is pretty reliable and easy to drive. It has good visibility and seats 7 comfortably. It is a great runaround car for kids and dogs etc. for the beach or weekend touring. Also, it has... Read More

Love It By bpmor

We love or 1991 Carat. Just back from 10 days camping down the coast. Roomy enough for camping gear and biking stuff we had a blast. The van is fun to drive and works out great for a couple on the ... Read More

Read all 5 1991 Volkswagen Vanagon reviews

1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Reviews

Looker-larger Interior Than Most-surprising Ride. By Fred

Like it even though it is a bit expensive to maintain-water cooled, rear engine, never needed snow tires, superior people hauler, and always got the onlookers. There are very few and far between Volks... Read More

Great Car For The Right People. By Henry

So-So Performance, Excellent Build Quality, Styling Is Fabulous for a german car, Maintenance is pricey, along with fuel because vehicle is underpowered and heavy getting not very good fuel economy. ... Read More

Read all 5 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon reviews

1989 Volkswagen Vanagon Reviews

Buy One If You Can. By Chris

One BAD ASS van. Come on its 4wd, 4 Speed with a Super Low creeper gear 6:1 gear ratio or something like that, I cant really remember. This van will go almost any were you want it to. I have never h... Read More

A Vehicle For Every Walk Of Life By Michael

A solidly built van with 90s looks (ok for me), handles well, easy to maintain and excellent offroad. All getting to the age of needing work now but thay have a character. The looks from other offroad... Read More

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1988 Volkswagen Vanagon Reviews

Fun To Drive Bus With Ac By Coronajeep

Fun to drive overall, and got decent enough mileage too! especially on trips! With plenty of room to lay down, tools, toys or luggage for a trip. Could use a console of some kind or at least cup ho... Read More

Ever Been Passed By A Vw Van On An On Ramp? By Litew8

I like it a lot! The Subaru SOHC 16V non-interference engine is bullet proof and matches up to the Vanagon 4 Spd perfectly. If you like, you can drive in 3rd gear at 70 mph. Cruising at 90 mph at sea ... Read More

Read all 4 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon reviews

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon Reviews

Review By tomwhocares

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. Read More

The Bird By Kelly

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 Mechan... Read More

Read all 8 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon reviews
Have you driven a 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon?