Date:         Thu, 2 Nov 2000 10:32:36 -0800
Reply-To:     bren@PINE.HE.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bren Smith <bren@PINE.HE.NET>
Organization: LENE Inc.
Subject:      Help evaluate purchase of '87 Syncro GL
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi All,

First time post on the Vanagon list for me, though I've been on the
type2 list since the "early days". (Been around so long that I'm shaking
trilobites outta my shoes). Anyway, I've been the proud owner of a few
air cooled beasts in my life, and currently I own a '76 Dual Cab, but
now I'm contemplating my first wasserboxer. What I'd like to know is, do
you guys think this is a good deal?

Positives:
------------
o       Solid body, no rust, no bondo, no cancer.
o       Paint is in good shape.
o       Interior is in good shape.
o       Compression is 125-125-110-130
o       No visible head leaks
o       Air conditioner that works!
o       It's a 4 wheel drive, it's very cool to drive, and chicks (well, my
wife) dig it!!! ;-)

Negatives:
-----------
o       Auto door locks are screwy, constantly trying to lock doors until you
pull key out of ignition
o       Excess play in the clutch pedal
o       Under frame has surface rust (still has original MA plates), no frame
cancer though.
o       Original coolant hoses
o       Has approx. 130K on it (odo broke at 70K)
o       Has occasional undiagnosed starting problem (fuel injectors? ECU?)
o       Power steering belt needs replacing.
o       Engine oil leaking from around the distributor O-ring.
o       I've never driven a Syncro before, but the front transaxle seems a bit
loud. Normal, or cause to worry?

We've yet to get to the dickering part as I want to go in to this
relatively informed. The owners are asking around $6K for this beast.
Having owned a number of volkswagens, I know the inherent risks and the
tradeoffs, therefore I *do* realize that purchasing this Van is not
going to be my last investment in it. I do plan to replace the PS belt
and water hoses right away, and I'm guessing that I won't have too much
more time before a new engine is mandated.

So, bottom line, what do you think? Should I pass or play? Oh, and I'm
located in SF Bay Area if anyone thinks that has an effect on the price.

thanks,

Bren
--
Bren Smith                       | Your mouse has moved. Windows
http://www.lene.com/contact.html | must now reboot to make this
                                 | change take effect.