Hi All,
I am new to this list so excuse me in advance if I have broken any rules.

I am not a current Vanagon owner.  I had a 87 at one time and ended up
dumping a lot of money in it in a short amount of time.  Now I am unsure
on my next van.

I am a family of three, very adventurous people.  We do all that is
out there.  Mainly Windsurfing in the gorge and BAJA, climbing,
skiing etc.  The van needs to be wife friendly . . . she will be the main
driver.

I have heard bad things about certain model years of Vanagons? Any help?

We are not interested in a Westy, but would like a weekender package.

I have heard bad things about the Syncro . . . but I would like the 4WD
ability.  Drivetran problems? Tires? Tranny's?

We will load it to the hilt on trips to Mexico, Montana, etc..  Can they
handle it?

Any advice you could give would be great!!!!!   Thanks

Vanless . .  . .and hating it.