All the Syncros from 86-91 are mechanically identical. All will
eventually have the same problems. The idea is the get the latest,
lowest mileage, best taken care of unit you can afford. Keep in mind
that a 91 with 75K on it will not ensure trouble free driving for many
years while an 86 with 200K may still have lots of life in it. The body
and interior condition is of the most importance to me. Than you need to
have the condition of the drive train evaluated. Use the anticipated
work to negotiate the asking price.

I currently have 2 Syncros and I do not find the cost to repair that
much more than a 2WD. The center drive shafts seem to last about 90K and
you have the front axle shafts. Most repairs that are unique to the
Syncro create incremental costs, but enough to say don't get one if that
is what you want. Fuel economy is also slightly lower with the Syncro.

Hope this helps,
Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Larry Chase
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2002 3:39 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: To Syncro or Not to Syncro

Folks,

Lets see ..... Now that I have my 85 Westy 2-3 months away from being
set-up
the way I want  ...... I have this burning desire, long suppressed
...... to
have a Syncro Westy.

The type of back country, off the beaten track, away from the masses
camping
I prefer really lends itself best to a 4x4 vehicle

Yes ... I know ..... it wouldn't be cheap.

Would be my dream vehicle .... so have to be like new cosmetically and
mechanically.

What advise .... other than "find a different dream vehicle" would you
all
have?

Best Years, Common Problems, things to look out for etc.

Lastly ..... perhaps a trusted list member (Vanagon or Syncro) has a
beloved
unit that they have been thinking of selling.

I would be ready around the end of July to seriously begin looking.

Larry Chase
85 Westy aka Roadhouse
CA soon to be Az