Hello all,
I've been looking into buying a westy for some time now, and about the only
difficulty I've had in my quest is the rarity of these things in the NJ/NY
area. I've managed to locate an 85 with 20k on a rebuilt engine and new
transmission and no rust (obviously not a local van). However, there are a
few issues that it has: a cracked windshield, rich emissions, wrong tires,
possibly leaky steering rack, dented bumpers and generally unkempt interior
/ exterior cosmetics, but nothing I couldn't handle myself or that seemed
like a pricey fix. I think I can get it in the mid $3k range, but the only
thing that's stopping me is the fact that there is no AC, and that fact that
I had originally wanted a synchro. There was an 86 Westy Synchro that was
described as being loaded, in very good condition and being sold in NJ for
only $6500, but alas I was too late because I hesitated and someone else
snatched her up.
So, my question to all of you, especially to those who have owned both 2wd
and synchro is, should I hold out for another synchro, or jump on the 85
(which I think is a great deal considering the mechanicals). I don't know
how much off road driving I would be doing with two kids, and even as a snow
vehicle, is the synchro worth the extra purchase price / maintenance /
repair cost?
Also, if I decide to pursue the 85, I will be doing a compression test
regardless of what the owner's receipts say. Does any one know what range is
acceptable compression for the 1.9?
Regards,
Vince Pernice

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