Survey: type 44 break down frequency

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

My 87 5ktq is at 253k miles and as Mike Arman said, it is a geriatric
edition by now.

Like Mike, stuck on the side of the road one time in last five years also-
oil cooler blew a fitting under boost and I lost all the oil in about 5
seconds. Flatbedded 4 miles to local mechanic, good used unit put me back
on the road in about 3 days.

And I carry a spare fuel pump in the trunk. And lots of tools. And a credit
card.

Been stuck at home once or twice but I keep a few cars around as pets and
they are eager for some action. They plot ways to get me out of the
Audi......1975 Cheby Suburban with a 454 and 53k miles, good tires and a
thirsty appetite for fuel, and it would easily run to Canada or Mexico any
time, at 7 mpg. It certainly would be cheaper to rent a new Buick, as Mike
suggests..........  1976 VW Westfalia Camper with a fresh engine and
considerable attitude. It would take longer to go anywhere, but every trip
is an adventure. I think I could live in it for a few months if I had to.
But it is a toy now and has been since we bought it new.........    1985 VW
Jetta turbodiesel.......son drives it most of the time and it is so simple
and reliable that I can't seem to get it out of the family...........  84
Rabbit diesel, currently a back-up car for my daughter in a nearby city. I
just kept it when the last kid didn't need it any longer. Again, a fun car
to drive.

But I still look for opportunities to get in the 87 5ktq and go somewhere.
I like driving it.

Everybody sees a breakdown through the screen of their own transportation
requirements and resources.

I don't know of anything specific that would strand me in my 87 5ktq.
Almost everything except the engine and power train has been replaced once
or twice already. I'm seriously considering putting a few thousand into
upgrading the reliability just on general principles, so it will run
anywhere for a few more years. Maybe new rear brake lines over the axle,
and a new metal radiator (radiator number 3). And some ball joints/tie rod
ends in front. 300k miles sounds good. I greatly enjoy that car.  And I'm
toying with the idea of an S6 to replace it. We will see.

Doyt Echelberger