Cary,

Yep, an 89 Syncro for $5300 is cheap.
But it also sounds like there is a reason.
Syncro Trans : prox $4000.
Syncro Viscous Coupling: prox $4000
If head leaks: Head job prox $2500
(But at 117k miles, perhaps total rebuild: prox $4000.)
None of this includes other things that may be needed like shocks, fuel
lines, cv boots, etc., etc. etc.
It would be a good idea to have the above items checked by a good mechanic
or someone who knows Vanagons real well. Otherwise your good price may not
be so good down the road.
Many people the past couple of years have been paying prox $18k or more for
a Syncro Westy in good shape with under 100k miles. (I don't think you said
if it was a Westfalia or not.)
Good Luck
Bill
90 Westy Syncro
-----Original Message-----
From: CARY CHIANG <chiang1@USA.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Monday, March 01, 1999 5:20 PM
Subject: Syncro questions

Hello:
  I saw a syncro for sale recently and had a few questions.  This one was  a
1989 vanagon with 117k mi and a noisy transmission.  The mechanic at the
repair shop it was parked at said the transmission noise could be duplicated
somewhat by turning the driveshaft by hand (I did not test drive or hear the
noise  myself).  I noticed the front and rear tires were of different sizes,
195/70 front and 205/70 rear.  The body was in fair shape (some dents), had
AC, power mirrors, and alloy wheels.

Questions:

1. Would different tire sizes cause the transmission problems?
2. Are syncro transmissions lots more expensive to repair/rebuild than
regular
vanagon trans.?
3. Asking price was $5300.  Is that reasonable, cheap, or too high?

Please respond to chiang1@usa.net with your opinions.

Thanks!

Cary Chiang

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