Out of the following :

84 Wolfsburg Automatic (my first T3)
87 Syncro GL w/big factory sunroof
87 Syncro GL
90 Syncro AW
90 GL 2wd Automatic (FS on Craig's List soon)

The 87 Syncro GL sunroof (purchased 1992) with the meager $7,000 remaining
after my divorce) was my reliable daily driver, commuter and adventure
vehicle. No other served me as well, but this one I drove for eitht years,
much longer than any other, so they have not been given the opportunity of
time and now it's probably too late for them to catch up.
The 84 Automatic (purchased in 87 for 6,000)was all blue corduroy (sp?)
interior and, when my mother saw it, she said it was the most beautiful
vehicle she had ever seen.....way to be mom! It was a sweet ride, but my
90 GL 2wd, though not nearly as beautiful, does everything better and has
that VW feel when going down the road......so silky it would be a shame to
play the stereo.
In short, it's a toss up as far as I'm concerned. Every year has its
shortcomings.....and its fans. I have never owned a T3 that I would
consider a lemon. Comparing one to another seems pointless. Some have been
used and abused, while others have been pampered with proper maintenance,
etc.....
Miguel