My thoughs on Syncro (no "H" bt the way) Vanagon are they are great vans
but the maintainance is a little higher due to the 4x4 system.  With that
being said - I would NEVER go without one!

First thing is to ask your self is do you need a Syncro?  If you are 99% of
the time on pavement then a 2WD makes more sence.  If you are like me and
spend most of the weekends going down logging roads to remote fishing spots
or enjoying going where no Ford F-150 has gone before then Syncro is for you.

Things to watch for - weird vibrations in the transmission when these go
(usually around 200,000 to 250km look forward to $2500 for repairs.  The
Viscous coupler is another $2000 item then supposedly cannot be repaired.
The VC is responcible for bringing the power to the front wheels.

I would take the Van to a VW dealer or some other mechanic who KNOWS what a
Syncro is about and pay some money and get it checked out.  It's better to
spend $50 and walk away from the deal as opposed to spending $2000 on a
deal you should't have bought.

Again, I love my Synro and I would never be without.  Most other Syncro
owners feel the same way!

At 11:24 08/03/1999 -0800, Justin Gordon wrote:
>Hello.
>
>I am considering buying a '86 Synchro Wolfsburg Edition Westfalia Weekender,
>5 speed.
>It seems to be in very good condition with the exception that a mechanic
>seems to think that a head gasket needs to be replaced. However, the engine
>does not seem to be leaking any coolant.
>
>Also, the compression is 130, 140, 125, 135. Is the low compression on one
>cylinder a real concern? According to the owner, the compression has been
>like this since 60K.
>
>The engine has a about 129K miles.
>
>One other concern I have is that the owner does some of the work on the
>vehicle himself, such as replacing the clutch, and the brakes. Is this stuff
>pretty easy to do on a Vanagon Synchro?
>
>Did they make these in automatic transmissions?
>
>How hard are these to find? How hard are they to sell?
>
>Are the Blue Book prices accurate for resale?
>
>Any advice in general about purchasing one of these would be greatly
>appreciated.
>
>Thanks in advance.
>
>Justin Gordon
>
>

--   David Marshall - Vanagon List Admin - Quesnel, BC, Canada   --
--    78 VW Rabbit, 80 VW Caddy, 87 Audi 5KSQ, 85 VW Cabriolet   --
--  88 2.0L VW Syncro Double Cab, WANTED: VW / Bombardier Iltis  --
-- David's Volkswagen Home Page        http://www.volkswagen.org --
-- Fast Forward Autobahn Sport Tuning  http://www.fastforward.ca --
-- david@volkswagen.org (pmail) or vanagon@volkswagen.org (list) --