Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2000 11:31:25 -1000
Reply-To: Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
Subject: Re: Help evaluate purchase of '87 Syncro GL
In-Reply-To: <3A01B344.A71B175A@pine.he.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Bren...
I have an 89 syncro westy that I dearly love, but I'll tell you... and I
won't be the last to tell you... vanagons are not cheap to maintain and
syncros are even worse. That said, they're great cars. If Ben T doesn't
respond to your query in the next couple days, contact him at
BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM. He lives in the SF area and is a wealth of knowledge
about syncro vanagons.
Oh, and check out the operation of the 4WD. The viscous coupling is
expensive and if it goes out can destroy the transmission and other parts as
well. Derek Drew at derekdrew@rcn.com can tell you all about the vc's, etc.
Also, check out the www.syncro.org page if you haven't already. Lots and
lots of information about the 4WD's there.
This is an amazing list... they will help you with any question you may pose
to them... most need Vanagons Anonymous meetings.
Good luck!
Mick Kalber
89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"
Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
62 Halaulani Place Hilo, Hawaii 96720
ph. 808-935-5557 fax 808-935-0066
hotlava@interpac.net
www.volcanoscapes.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Bren Smith
Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2000 8:33 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Help evaluate purchase of '87 Syncro GL
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.
