I have had an 86 Syncro, an 80 Diesel Westy, and now a 90 Multi Van automatic. I
would suggest that you remember that Vanagons are pretty good in the snow anyway.
Add a set of studded tires ($400 for really nice set) and you can go about
anywhere you are describing in snow. If it is just dirt get some nice LT tires
with a good dirt tread. There is no replacing the coolness of a Syncro. I have
been pondering this same question, wether to try and find a Syncro Westy or stick
with our 2wd. The maintenance costs will be slightly higher for the Syncro. Ours
did not seem like it was way worse, but there is more to fix. The up front cost
can add anywhere from $2000-$5000 for a regular vanagon and can add from $5000 to
$10000 to the price of a Westy. You can find really nice late model Vanagons for
$2000-$5000 with some good shopping it seems like the same Syncro will be in that
$5000-$9000 range. I would just make a list of why you want the Syncro and see if
the 2wd would take care of those reasons. If it comes down to the fact that you
just want the coolness of owning a Syncro and it is worth it to you...I say go for
it. The are great rigs. I am a skier and spend a lot of time in the snow and still
can't justify the Syncro at this point (especially since we really like the Westy
and a Syncro Westy becomes quite cost prohibitive.) Eventually we will probably
end up with a Syncro Westy just for coolness sake but that day is a long way off.
hope this helps,
Craig
the Gorge VW club
gorgevwclub.com