Hello, everyone.  I just subscribed to this list and at first I thought it
must lack vitality, then all of a sudden my mailbox was overflowing with
interesting e-mail's about Vanagons.

I have a problem with a Vanagon Syncron my aunt recently gave me.  It was one
of my departed uncle's favorite toys.  He kept it at the Cape for exploring
the Dunes. The van appears to be in immaculate condition as he had it
serviced at the beginning and the end of each summer season.  While it has
had only about 18,000 miles of use, there seems to be a serious problem with
the drive components.  It drives fine on gravel and sand, but on a paved road
the tires squeal loudly on any turn taken at more then 30 mph.  I have placed
a deposit on a Beemer X-5 and I will need to have the Syncron repaired before
I can trade or sell it.  Is this expensive to fix?

One other question, if you will allow.  There are 3 knobs on the lower dash
panel.  What do they do?  I think they engage the four wheel drive because
there is an outline of the van above them with green lights which come on in
a delayed manner.  I like using the four wheel drive, so I just leave then
pulled out.

TIA
Ronald