Larry,

Like anybody else, I'll give you some free advice, but first consider how
much it is costing you.  I have 2 Syncrii.  One is my user '86 with 199,000+
on it.  The other is a '90 which is being held in reserve for the inevitable
day the beater dies.  I have been holding the reserve unit for almost 2
years, now, so I think I may have to do something drastic to bring the '86 to
its knees.

I came to Vanagons by way of a Sunroof version and to make my Sweetie happy.
I doubt if I would have bought a Vanagon on my own, and I know I would not
done it for any other woman.  Once I was into one, the amount of care and
feeding it required until it was set right gave me pause, but I never give
into defeat even as I am being kicked in the face; my life with Vanagons has
been no different.  From what I have been told, having a baby must be like
owning a Vanagon; the painful part of the experience is quickly forgotten.
Consider a Syncro like having twins.

I bought my first Syncro for my Sweetie, also.  That purchase was not made
with the pleasant thoughts of vacationing at the beach in the back of my
mind.  Instead, I bought the Syncro filled with dread and loathing because my
wife was preparing to spend 3 weeks at a hospital 75 miles from home going
through the most rigorous cancer therapy known.  It was in early winter and I
HAD to be able to travel between home and the treatment center.  I live in
the mountains and valleys of western PA where, in some years, the snowfall
can be very heavy.  I had always gotten around well enough in a 2WD with
Hakkapeliita's mounted and 2 bags of sand over the rear axle.  I guess what I
am saying is that it takes a compelling reason to justify the extra hassle
and expense of owning a Syncro.  I can only pray I never really need my
backup unit.  Lord have Mercy.  Lord have Mercy.  Lord have Mercy.

Rich