Craig,

I think any reasonable person who is doing business this way wouldn't have a
problem disclosing full information about themselves and offer some form of
agreement upfront. You're taking all the risk here.

At very least I would offer the guy HALF of the money up front and the rest
when you take possesion of the vehicle.

I'm not saying you shouldn't buy it - I'm just saying that what you've
described thus far has all the advantages going to this guy and leaves you
with no course of action should he pull a fast one - and I'm sorry but
bashing him on the Samba isn't going to get your money back or compensate
you should the syncro turn out to be a POS.

I understand you're excited - and I hope this all works out fine for you -
just be careful.

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
'86 (We call this one Scrap)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus