Seems to me your gonna have to want it pretty bad at that price.  I just
paid 4500.00 for a '87 with dif-lock and A/C.  Even after I fix the
small stuff it won't be more than 5500.00
On the other hand, compared to a new car, it looks pretty reasonable.
If you follow the list long enough you should find one for between 5k
-7k though.
Good Luck
Mark
John Mates wrote:

> Kind readers:
>
> I am looking at a 1986 VW Syncro Westfalia.  It is in good
> condition.  Everything works.  Nothing leaks, not even the
> heads.  It has 100K miles on the odometer.  It has no differential
> lock, nor does it have AC.  The seller is the only owner the
> car has experienced and he has clearly cared for it well.  He
> wants $11.5 K for it.  I want you to tell me if the price is OK.
>
> I want your opinions on how important the lack of a locking
> differential is to this vehicle's recreational value as well
> as what effect it should have on the asking price.  Similarly,
> I'd like your thoughts on the lack of air conditioning.
>
> At home, I have a 1986  7 passenger Syncro.  It DOES have diff
> lock.  It is in worse condition, however.  One head leaks a
> bit, etc.  Mainly, it seems to be a pretty big project to get
> it to the point where I can hop in and camp on a moment's
> notice.  That is my dream.
>
> I have been wondering whether I can easily substitute the
> locking diff in the 7 passenger van for the non locking one
> in the Westfalia.
>
> Any comments would be most welcome.
>
> \ o /  __o        __|    \/
>   |     /|   __\o    \o   |
>  / \   |\  /)  |     ( \ /o\
>
>  John Mates, Intel Corp.
>
>  RA2-364
>  5200 NE Elam Young Parkway
>  Hillsboro, OR 97124-6497
>
>  jmates@ichips.intel.com
>  (503) 613-5830
>  #include <std.disclaimer>