Date: Fri, 10 Sep 1999 08:54:55 -0700
Reply-To: "Renouard, Robert" <Robert.Renouard@METROKC.GOV>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Renouard, Robert" <Robert.Renouard@METROKC.GOV>
Subject: Re: Sad tale - followup
Content-Type: text/plain
I have an 86 Sycro
Body:
Excellent body and interior
Bronze color
Mechanical:
186k miles
Probably needs head gaskets and have been told it's better to put a new long
block because of the mileage and risk of blowing the bottom end if just
heads were replaced. Engine has good power, climbs well. No drips but, just
need to top the coolant tank every so often. Red light comes on but
temperature gauge stays right in the middle.
Tranny will eventually need new throw-out bearing I'm told. Absolutely no
transmission problems now, just a rattle when in neutral or when the clutch
is disengaged.
The van (syncro is more like a truck) is clearly the best all wheel van for
utility. Fun to drive. Tight steering, handles great.
Everyone says the Syncro is worth hanging on to, but I'm like you. Paid
$3,200 to buy it, spent another $1,800 on new brakes, rebuilt linkages,
coolant flush, fluids change, and miscellaneous "stuff" feeling a little
ripped off by shops padding the invoice. However, with a new engine this
vehicle would be a pretty decent rig at a fraction of what newer cars are
going for.
Fix it, trade-it-in, sell it in the newspaper.
Any Thoughts?
> ----------
> From: Dave Ohlemacher[SMTP:Dave@OHLEMACHER.COM]
> Sent: Friday, September 10, 1999 7:56 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Sad tale - followup
>
> Lots of you kind folks responded with cries of "Put a new engine in!"
>
> Here's the breakdown of the costs:
>
> VW Dealership = $4600
> Local VW place = $3400
> Not so local VW place = $3500
>
> I have to eat the core charge due to the nice hole in the engine block,
> that
> adds $400-$1100 to the price (yes, the $1100 is the dealership core
> charge),
> the short block runs from $1800-$2600, misc parts, shipping and labor is
> the
> rest.
>
> So since we paid less than $3000 for the van to start off with, I just
> can't
> see putting that back into it.
>
> A couple thoughts on our Vanagon experience:
> Would I do it again? - you bet'cha!
> Would get one without AC!
> Syncro would be cool.
> Years I like best -86-91
>
> So that being said, anyone have one for sale?
>
> Dave
> Dayton, OH
>
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