This Consumer Reports page is a warning to potential customers of Z&S Imports AKA Vanamania of Pahrump, Nevada. Some disgruntled Volkswagen drivers have complained on the Vanagon lists about this vendor.
CategoryWarning CategoryVanagon

The following "discussion" took place on the Yahoo Diesel Vanagon mailing list after posts were made raving about Z&S Imports' great service. After one poster called the USA a "nasty country" the discussions turned acrimonious so I have taken the liberty of editing material.

mpteleski:

Zain:

Martin Stamper:

Rose:

Gnarlie:

albee:

jerrydog411:

dieseltdi:

mdrillock:

Harry:

Dan Weeks:

In addition, there are comments left on the Roadhaus Vanagon repair shop reviews:

Anonymous writes:
Our shop purchased 3 used 1.6td motors, supposedly 'ready to run' 60k motors for $1500 each. What we received were horrible. Parts missing and broken, bad injector pumps, frozen turbos, each requiring full boring, new pistons, etc. Horrible corrosion, not ran in years. Left outside. In fact, they weren't even turbo model motors... but eco-diesels with the standard NA injection pumps! When discussed with Vic, he of course was helpful on the phone. Replaced 1 turbo, then said he would replace the injection pump. (It wasn't a turbo pump even!) I sent him the bad one, and he never sent on the other. Said he never received it. I never received the old one back. He would do nothing about it. We have never gotten so taken on motors before. $4500 worth of motors turned into a pile of junk that weren't even usable as cores. Each motor required 40 over boring, new pistons, new heads, etc. He has done nothing to make it right as of yet. Our shop will no longer deal with Vic, and feel it is important to share this experience with others.
Shop Rating: Avoid
Not Recommended
Report Date: 07.29.2006

Anonymous writes:
1) Vic sold me a serpentine belt setup and replaced one of the pulleys when it arrived nicked - good service. 2) Vic said he would sell me a diesel dipstick but when I called back with my credit card one of the other people working there said they had sold it to someone else. It turned into a big fiasco with people distorting the facts and calling me names. Ugly! Bottom line; for me is this shop isn't worth my time or trouble. I can find most of what they offer elsewhere and don't have to deal with the risk of attitude.
Shop Rating: Below Average
Not Recommended
Report Date: 07.29.2006

Comments from anonymous readers

Newest comments start here, oldest comments are at the bottom.

cache-ntc-ac08   I bought a 82 diesel VW camper from Vic for $14,000, I wish I would have seen this site before the purchase. I found some rust on the vehicle, and he stated no, when contacted he would not do anything. How does someone stay in business that has so many unsatisfied customers?
 2008-12-25 21:22:42 X
Charter Oregon 96-39-174-113   I made the horrible mistake of buying a 1985 Camper Van from Vanamania on EBAY.  We were lucky to make it home to Oregon! The accelerator pedal fell off, the starter went bad, the engine leaked oil, the radiator or water pump leaks, etc.  We took it to 2 VW mechanics and they confirmed our fears, that the LONG list of supposedly NEW parts was a blatant lie.  There were NO new parts on this vanagon! Because everything was sold 'AS IS' we knew we were shit out of luck in getting anything fixed. The guy is obviously a hack, and I wouldn't have trusted him at that point to anything honest. We are now stuck with a vehicle that is worth half of what we paid for it...based on lies from Vic. I see I am not the ONLY one who fell for the scam!
 2008-12-09 15:00:53 X
Comcast Denver 76-25-169-34   Roadrunner Kauai!! Did you even try to contact Vic? No! Why? because you know damn well, he did not do anything wrong. I am tired of all you tidies trying to pull him down. Stop lying and get over it.  Vic is not a fraud.  He is not white!  He eats with his hands, and washes his behind like Jesus Christ. You all have much to learn.
B.j
 2008-10-25 23:06:27 X
Comcast Seattle 76-25-169-34   Vic sold my 6 nu motors, and they all worked great. i am happy with Z & S IMPORTS.
 2008-10-10 09:55:13 X
RoadRunner Batavia 72.230.158.52   THEY HAVE SENT ME MANY RESTORED RABBIT TRUCKS SO THAT I CAN RESELL THEM. NO PROBLEMS WITH ANY OF THEM.
 2008-10-10 00:20:18 X
Google Wireless Proxy 209.85.170.136   I found out that this VIC guy has sold many and only a few are whining.how sad. get real people.
 2008-10-10 00:10:30 X
Google Wireless Proxy 209.85.170.136   You guys dont even know what to gripe about anymore.....  I am sure they have had lots oe happy customers.
 2008-10-09 23:59:05 X
Google Wireless Proxy 209.85.170.136   You sad little people....making racist comments. i gave been following all your sad whining little threads.
 2008-10-09 23:44:12 X
ATT Pahrump 75-30-163-128   I do'nt know what they call that in Iran? Sounds racist. Good job. keep it up.
 2008-10-09 23:22:54 X
Roadrunner Kauai 76.93.205.106   Hello to all ex ZS prey, Its actually comforting knowing that we were not the only schmucks taken by the quotes the "Dr. of VWs" I had the unfortunate pleasure of dealing with the Z & S group or whatever they want to call themselves, paying 15K in advance (which I thought would speed up the process) and 6 months of being strung along given every kind of excuse waiting for the perfect 90 silver Westfalia AT loaded (picture still listed) which I thought I was getting if I could only be a little patient (not at all the case). I guess we assumed that we would get the Vanagon of our dreams we were promised perfection but not true as others have stated Vic has this heart condition you see and its all our faults we the public pushed him too hard expecting too much from him. I say "BS" its all a scam an excuse or racket these guys have been around for years they were in CA. In the late 80's when we first met them then they vanished, probably run out of town there too just like now but this time he has taken more unaware VICtims. The internet has created a greedy monster out of him and like I said to him, his son and brother which at times I thought could all be the same people, KARMA has a way of catching up to you. I'm glad I got to say my piece and hopefully because of this great thing (the internet), we will stop all these con artists and put them out of business. Keep your eyes open and your money in your pocket don't get starry eyed like us when someone tells you that you're getting the perfect Vanagon that runs like a dream you might get a nightmare! KW
 2008-10-09 19:32:05 X
Roadrunner Kauai 76.93.205.106   Aloha to all, My comments will be brief. My wife and I made the mistake of purchasing a Westy from Z & S, he sold us a Vanagon that had frontend replacement and the vin number from the dash didn't correspond with the frame # because he ground out most of them. I don't know what they call that in Iran...here in the States it's called Fraud. PS: cut back on the saffron it's bad for the heart!!
 2008-10-09 18:29:45 X
SBC Pahrump 75-30-163-128   Oh, Snarly...You are such a trouble make!  It is nice to keep trying to tear down Vic's business! Why not try to do something a little more useful with your life? Like saving something! or get a job! oh, thats right....Lets see.... there are alot more things you can do with your time.

and what is it with the DECAL issue? "IT'S A STICKER!" That was a dud, a mistake....that was just a bad one he got...damn!  There have been many satisfied customers who bought thoseon eBay from VANAMANIA.  and off ZS-Imports.com What next people?  Not like all his positive feedbacks on ebay are fake!! get with the program..... There are many people who do not want VIC to sell anything anywhere... He has alot of VW stuff that no-one has, unless it was made in China...He is NOT a bad person....There is good and bad in every company. NO-ONE is perfect. Maybe because he is not white?  is this the problem? So he IS Indian...but he has way more VW experience than anyone I have ever read about.  ZS-Imports.com is running, and selling, and yes... his inventory is for sale! No lies there!

Vic at Z & S Imports is at his shop for the time being... and is not going away from the VW Community. He loves VW, and can do alot of this to them that no-one else had dared to do.  Sure, lots of people call him for his technical advise, and look to him, when they need some odd part that they cannot find anywhere, or when their VW baby is sick, he makes them all better....Even in junkyards, they cant find what they need. He has been in business since 1982 and Vic is here to stay. So Get use to it.  
 2008-09-14 12:30:44 X
SBC Pahrump 75-30-163-128   Hi Everybody!  ****A few corrections need to be made here***
Z & S Imports IS an Overland distributor, BUT those 1.9 Turbo Diesel motors are NOT Overland ones. Overland does alot of rebuilding, and most of their motors are built in-house.  Vic imported these 1.9 Turbo Diesel Engines from the Volkswagen Factory Surplus in Germany.  He used to work for Volkswagen, and they gave him heads up when they have some goodies left over, and they sell them to him.  And his ebay ID: Vanamania NOT Vanmania... and him selling his remaining inventory is NOT a hoax! He is trying to sell it up, so that he can go back to Germany, and become wholesale.  

And to gnarlodious: Yes, This means YOU!  You do not like Vic... SO WHAT!  You have never EVER, bought anything from him.  So why are you acting like a spider?  Why are you all upset about him? it is so nice to just put him down, but this is his business. Protection everyone from the horrors of Z & S Imports????  as if you are the savior of the VW world....
YES, he has a business license in Pahrump, NV do the search right.


 2008-09-14 12:14:30 X
SBC Mira Loma 68-121-24-46   An update from BAR ITALIA CLASSICS LLC http://BarItaliaClassics.com/ :
I was finally able to talk to Vic this morning. It seems that my products might actually be on their way. Vic tells me that Frank is back in India again, loading the items on the ship (again). It's not much, but at least it is some communication. I understand that there is always the possibility of setbacks and mishaps, but communication is key. Pages like this should not be the only way to get a vendors attention. I would still like to hear something from Frank himself, but I do feel slightly more reassured after having at least heard something.
 2008-09-13 11:39:04 X
Comcast Pleasanton 76-126-231-24   Thanks All, I was getting ready to have him install a TDI motor and new tranny. But I am going to opt to go to a place in California instead.
 2008-08-22 22:29:58 X
SBC Pahrump 75-30-162-232   Vic did not skip town, he does go to Germany for business. Yes, we post the Scooter on our site, because we sold them on ebay.... You need to deal with Frank. his number is 714-225-1503 call him, he is here in the US. Please deal with him.
 2008-04-22 16:45:38 X
Vic   How is it a good idea for Vic and his so called crew to leave to country? Please explain your comment. Vic is still in business and will always be in business...... There is good and bad in every company....He only deals in new stuff now... All the negative comments are derived from alot of rumors and comments that people say around the net. Not all things are true uno? Now tell me... why should Vic leave the country? Is it better for you? or better for the others that are trying to get ahead... Well, alot do not know this. But "Vic the thief", as you like to put it, supplies and serves.... alot of other VW people out there who sell vw stuff themselves. Now, all the comments do not change the fact that he does have a bunch of brand new 1.9 TD long blocks and 1.6 to 1.9 conversion kits for sale from Germany. NO, no not knockoffs. The real deal. He is not a crook. Like I said, there is good and bad in every company. And you should focus on all the good stuff that he does for others in the VW community. And no, he does not answer the phones when he is under a Vanagon, or busy putting a complete engine together for a "Doomed customer" He is actually working. Not on the computer, and not on the phone. That is why he has phone people to answer and take msg's, he calls them back when he can. He does not have time to sit on the computer and cruise the forums and see all this negative things that some people, that have not even dealt with Vic, just what they hear. There is no way that he will feed into all this. And the ones who have dealt with Vic, he never meant to hurt you. And his health is not as great as it was before. He does have heart issues. But will not stop him from restoring a great Rabbit Truck, or selling a Brand new 1.9 TD long block to anyone. He did the mistake of buying a few engines from Quality German in Montclair, CA and sold them.
some were good, most were bad. He has paid back alot because of this issue. And is ready and willing to mend any bad relationship he has made in the VW community. He is not a bad guy, and he does not have it in his mind to rip people off. He is a honest hard working guy. And that woman who has it in for him, and you know who you are....Has never even dealt with him. So take this letter as you like. I am only telling it like it is. There is good and bad in every company. And he saves his money to buy more brand new stuff that is selling pretty well.

2008-04-22 16:42:22 X
Comcast Redwood City 67-188-157-237     Hi Vic, I am sure you read these.

  My name is Stacy, I bought a TDi which actually runs fine and was delivered in a timely fashion. Part of the deal were some injectors and glow plug wire. Only the engine arrived. When I called to inquire they apologized and said they would send them out. When I called back they assured me they had sent them USPS without a receipt. After 2 weeks I called back and they said that the mail must have lost them. (I sell a lot of stuff and have never had anything get lost. I've sent seats to Greece). Any way they said that because they were not on the invoice that they never charged me for them. Tough luck. No refund or replacement. I then had to go out and buy these items for well over $100.
Before buying this engine I thought I just needed a head. I bought it from Vic. It came in a "MEYLE" box and had a fair amount of packing tape on it. When I returned it to buy the Engine they hit me with a 15% restock fee, saying that it was now open and used merchandise and they could not sell it as new.
Vic, I invite you to call me at 650 722 4914 or email me at "vwcrewman@comcast.net" and defend your your good name. Your attitude is horrible and your business practices deplorable. It is obvious I am not alone.
2008-04-19 22:28:45 X
SBC Pahrump 75-30-162-232   We are not licensed in Vegas. And yes, we are licensed. You mean we have been in business since 1982 without a license? Wow, Thanks for the information. I quess we have no right to sell our inventory on the internet. How dare we try....hhmmm
 2008-04-19 15:17:14 X
Verizon Santa Monica 71-106-121-188   I purchased three brand new SIL Lambretta 200cc scooter motors and two complete Lambrettas from Frank and Vic at Z & S Imports. These were supposed to be delivered in February and I have received ZERO communication with them as to what the hold up is. The total bill was $7000. Haven't been able to get either one of them on the phone for over two months. When I do get through to Vic's "secretary" she yells and curses at me. When I tell her that I am considering contacting the fraud department of the LAPD as well as the Nevada authorities, she just tells me that I need to leave Vic and Z & S out of it, because Frank is the scooter guy and my deal was with him not Z & S. Odd, all my invoices, receipts and eMails say Z & S, Vic, and Vanamania on them. Also, Z & S have Vespas and Lambrettas on their web site. Hmmm... Oh, and when I threaten to post here and on other VW boards, she basically tells me that I can't hurt their reputation any more than it is already and that Vic is closing shop. Now, Vic is supposedly in Germany (skipped town), and Frank is allegedly in India. So I wonder who is handling all those current eBay auctions for those rusted out VW motors that "run like new". If anyone has any advise or can get these people to at least contact me I would greatly appreciate it.
Kristian Storli
Bar Italia Classics http://BarItaliaClassics.com/
(818)-314-9781
 2008-03-26 17:43:30 X
Gnarlodious   Thank you for your feedback. I would like to point out that the "nasty country" accusation was originally posted by Z & S Imports on the Yahoo Diesel Vanagon list on 08/10/2007 at 4:49 PM when VanamaniaATaol.com said: "he is getting out of this nasty country". Gnarlie responded on 08/13/2007 at 6:40 PM with: "you are acting like a self-righteous 3rd world mental midget". So in actuality it took 3 days to get my blood boiling over the "nasty country" comment. That's pretty restrained, considering the acrimony of the intervening posts.

Since others have mentioned similar communications on the part of Z & S Imports when disputes arise, I believe it is relevant to the review of the company. Therefore the page stays as it is. I'll repeat my hope that Z & S Imports improve their customer service in future dealings.
 2007-08-18 06:09:25 X
<:( Comcast Portland 67-166-87-154   I followed and archived the entire thread from the Yahoo Diesel Vanagon list. Gnarlie edited out her nasty, racist comments. NASTY, RACIST she should have apologized for, but did not; comments which literally caused the "nasty country" comment she sites. SHAME. SHAME

 2007-08-17 21:32:52 X
Gnarlodious   Oldest comments start here, reading upwards.
 2007-08-16 08:39:55 X
Smiley:

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Vanagon/WARNING - Z&S Imports (last edited 2009-01-04 04:52:40 by 65)