Sounds like a great deal but then I'm biased!  I have an 87 Syncro and I
absolutely love it.  It is terrific in the snow and I feel safe in it.  I
have always wanted to one day "move up" to a Ford E series van but can't
afford that yet.  The problems with the Syncro I have experienced are a gas
tank that is hard to fill to full, difficult shifting pattern and the height
(I'm not too tall!)  Problems I experienced with my vanagons in general are
poorer gas mileage than I had expected (average 16-21 mpg depending on load
and conditions), sensitive cooling system (always have to keep an eye on the
temp and watch out for leaks), and the "swaying" in high wind conditions.
Oh, and they don't go too fast either, I've learned to slow down and enjoy
the scenery!  I have not experienced the leaking head problem and have well
over 120,000 now on both of my vans.  I have thought the heads were leaking
but each time it turned out to be a coolant hose.
I hope this helps!
Good luck and welcome to the list!
-Loretta
87 Syncro
90 GL
98 GMC

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