If you don't know how to fix a Vanagon, let alone a Syncro which is twice
as bad at least, I wouldn't even think about buying a van and driving it
cross country. You should be able to ship it for 600-800 if you are patient.
   We had a potential customer buy a west coast Wolfsburg sight unseen and
had an acquaintance drive it cross country.  It was a 3000 dollar disaster
with multiple breakdowns.  All to save a couple of hundred dollars in
shipping costs.  She was so traumatized by her first month of Vanagon
ownership we never heard from her again.
   Better to ship the van and take your time making it right at home.

   John
   East Coast Vanagon