OR you could swap a sweet little purring 4BT into the Small truck or van of your choice and get 30+ mpg's with NO timing belt and an all mechanical fuel system.

Timing belt replacement is a pita! I think generally $$600-800 service. VW used plastic impellers on the water pumps (known to fail). Struts/shock combos are about $500 for Koni. A good check as to t-b change-see what parts are changed, if they did rollers and water pump- plus bolts it was done right most likely. Also, they run the pink engine coolant.
Autos take a big hit on mileage. Generally, VW diesel are reliable but it's electornics- seat switches, door glass motors etc which are EXPENSIVE and fail. We sold ours and bought a benz. Love it !

Michael