2100 automatic vs 1.6 diesel????? Help!

[Jaime Lyn Brisebois]

I just stumbled upon this site and it has made my day!

My husband and I owned a 72 Westy years ago and had such fun with it except for that darn third cylinder!!!!

We are looking for another and here is a question for the family. We have two options at this point but don't have to go for either.  Both 89 Vanagons. One has a 2100 engine with alot of power. automatic.

The other,  a diesel 1.6 stick told it was the same engine in the Jetta. Both in great condition for the year. Both going for 12 thousand. Both have just under 200 K although the diesel has a rebuilt.

We don't know what to do. We were told a diesel needs more maintenance. We want as less maintenance as possible.

This site and the prospect of owing a VW camper once again is such a highlight for our family.

Thanks so much for your time.

 

Jaime Lyn and Fernando.

 

 

[Jake White]

Go with the gas one. 

[Mark and Donna]

Diesels are not for everyone. The stock 1.6 diesel is a bit of a dog. Remember in 82, hwy speed was still 55. The WBX 2.1 can also be plagued with problems. I am a big fan of diesels.  If you purchase the diesel powered vanagon. It is a good candidate for upgrading to a 1.9 NA diesel, a 1.9 TD diesel, and the best would be the 1.9 TDI. They are reliable, powerful, and get average 30 mpg.

The WBX is also a good candidate for upgrading to Subaru power. I have seen some nice installs.

So, you really need to decide on whether you like diesels or not, more than which is better. markw

[Jaime Lyn Brisebois]

 

Thanks for the reply and ALL the info on the diesel.

Still doing some investigating. Takes a while to find "the one"

 

Jaime

[William D. Pool]

I did a lot of research, and I decided on the diesel. Why? Several reasons:

1.) Better mpg than the gassers

2.) Plenty of upgrade paths TD on the 1.6, 1.8, 1.8TD, 1.9, 1.9TD, all the TDIs, etc. 

3.) Eventual biodiesel/veggie conversion if you like that sorta thing

4.) The battery is in the rear, so that gives you two empty battery spots in the front seats for a later solar setup (=

5.) I like the under-dog.

Yes, it's the slowest thing on four wheels. You'll be hitting 35mph up hills and be riding an average 50-55 when on a good jive on the road.  You'll be the tortoise that takes everything in on the road. You'll see things you never saw before when driving. You'll really get a feeling of nostalgia.  But with those trade-offs (if you would call them that) you have excellent 25-30mpg if not better. The engine is rock solid if you listen to her and not push it. Like everything else basic maintenance is required. 

Would I ever go back to a gas van? Hell no, and I'm even looking to replace the rest of my cars with diesels.