Trim Report

Volkswagen Vanagon GL1988

Includes:VANAG|GL
$13,995
Starting From
6
Active Listings
Avg Mileage

Sourced from 6 active dealer listings as of

Min $13,995
Max $34,455
From $13,995
Fresh

GL Market Overview

1988 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Pricing

Price Trend

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6 listings and counting.

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Where to Find Volkswagen Vanagon GL

Location data for all 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon trims combined

10States

If you're near Texas, you're in luck: 25% of listings are there. But with 10 states represented, there's likely one near you too.

Volkswagen Vanagon Safety & Reliability

Safety data for all 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon trims

Elevated

The 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon's elevated safety profile includes 4 recall campaigns and 4 owner-reported complaints. Make recall verification part of your pre-purchase checklist.

4
Recalls
4
Complaints
0
Crashes
2
Fires
Recall Findings
93V1750001993-29-10
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

THE PLASTIC MATERIAL OF THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT, WHICH IS FASTENED BY TWO MOUNTING SCREWS TO THE CEILING OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, CAN CRACK AND EVENTUALLY BREAK.

IF THE PLASTIC BREAKS WHERE IT IS HELD AT THE TWOMOUNTING SCREWS, THE CENTER AIR FLOW DUCT CAN SEPARATE FROM ITS SUPPORTS ANDCAUSE INJURY TO THE PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE CENTER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE.

View at NHTSA
88V0760001988-06-05
TIRES

DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING PROCESS, SEMPERIT TIRES 20570R14 MOUNTED ON ALLOY WHEEL SIZE 6J X 14 COULD EXPERIENCE TINY CRACKS IN THE BEAD AREA.

TIRES COULD LOSE AIR, CREATING POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OFVEHICLE CONTROL.

View at NHTSA
88V0560001988-05-04
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT

IMPROPER JACK FURNISHED WITH VEHICLES.

THE JACK MAY NOT REACH FAR ENOUGH INTO THE JACKETSPROVIDED ON BOTH SIDED OF THE VEHICLE. IF THE IMPROPER JACK IS USED, IT COULDSLIP AND POSSIBLY INJURE A PERSON STANDING TOO CLOSE TO THE VEHICLE.

View at NHTSA
View all 4 recalls
89V0670001989-01-05
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

WHEN USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TENSION MAY ALLOW THE CABLE TO SAG AND BECOME ENTANGLED WITH THE WATER PIPE BRACKET IMPEDING ITS RETURN TO IDLE POSITION.

FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE POSITION COULD LEAD TO ANACCIDENT.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon has accumulated 4 NHTSA complaints over 1 years, with fuel system, gasoline leading the pack. Know what to look for before you buy.

01Fuel System, Gasoline3
02Structure1
4 total across 1 model years (1988–1988)Full data at NHTSA.gov
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Volkswagen Vanagon Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy data for all 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon trims

14–16mpg combined
·
14-16city
·
15-18hwy
·
$2,750-$3,150/yr

With 3 configurations tested, the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon ranges from 14 to 16 MPG combined. That's a 2 MPG gap that can add up to hundreds of dollars a year in fuel costs.

By Trim
Vanagon/Camper 2WD - Manual 4-spd
16mpg
2.1L 4-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive
16 city18 hwy~$2,750/yr-1/10 Poor
Vanagon/Camper 2WD - Automatic 3-spd
15mpg
2.1L 4-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive
14 city16 hwy~$2,900/yr-1/10 Poor
Vanagon Syncro 4WD - Manual 5-spd
14mpg
2.1L 4-cyl · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
14 city15 hwy~$3,150/yr-1/10 Poor

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

1988 Volkswagen Vanagon GL FAQ

Trim-specific pricing and feature questions

How does the GL compare to other Volkswagen Vanagon trims?

with 6 listings tracked, the GL sits in a specific spot in the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon lineup. Compare pricing across all trims on the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon page.

What should I know about maintaining the 1988 Volkswagen Vanagon GL?

Budget for standard GL maintenance plus any trim-specific items. The 1988 has 4 recalls on file. Review the known issues on the model year page for areas to inspect before purchasing.

What are the best years for the Volkswagen Vanagon GL?

The best model year for the Volkswagen Vanagon GL comes down to the price-to-mileage ratio. Compare all years on the Volkswagen Vanagon overview.

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