Dear Syncronauts and other knowledgeable folks:

There is a Syncro for sale in town, and I'm thinking of buying it.  My
dear old Dela (1984 Westfalia) is still in fine shape, running strong as
ever, but I can't remember the last time I lit the stove (sigh).  The Van
I'm considering:

-1988 GL (Canadian version)
-123k kilometres (76k miles?)
-a little seam rust
-slight p.steering leak
-diff. lock not functioning
-power locks and mirrors not functioning
-set of snows on separate rims
-Thules on top  :)
-asking (CAN)$4000 (US$5600?), will offer (CAN)$3000

To certify it will probably need the usual new brake pads, and a new
headlight;  not major problems.  There are a few things I'm concerned
about, however, some of which may be mere 'idio-Syncro-sies':

-front tires 'chirp' when turning tightly on dry pavement
-front tires are bald on outer edges (underinflated?  or expen$ive repair
ahead?)
-first gear is sometimes hard to engage, and often 'pops' out in
stop-and-go driving (another expensive adjustment?)
-noticeable (but not loud) whine from front end at about 80-90 kmh
(55mph?)

And so I humbly bring these questions forward.  I have inspected the
things I know about already but am unfamiliar with Syncro.  If there is
anything else I should look into, please let me know!  I am not currently
'on the list' so please e-mail directly.  I wish for enlightenment.

Marcus Elia
Peterborough, ON
dela@kawartha.com

'When the student is ready, the master will show himself.'