Buying a Syncro

Post by **Ernest** » 28 Jun 2007, 19:42

I am seeking advice - last year I bought a T25 campervan and am so pleased with it that I now want to buy a much better one. I have been looking and have found a really good campervan but the problem I have is that it's a Syncro. Now I don't need to go off road so why would I want to own a van with this potential source of future problems re. cost and availability of parts? But then again, apart from this the van it JUST what I am looking for.
So, the advice I am seeking is what do you more exprienced van owners think? Is the Syncro likely to be an aggrevation? Is petrol consumption that bad? Would it be realistic to run the van as normal and simply ignore the synro bits?
Any advice would be welcomed.
Ernest

Post by **peasant** » 28 Jun 2007, 20:36

The Syncro is perfectly fine on the road only. As long as everything works correctly, it makes it a much safer drive than the 2WD.

Yes, there is more to break and higher cost of maintenance, but that should be offset by a higher re-sale value.

Fuel consumption would be about ten percent more than on the equivalent 2WD.

The first time you drive off a muddy campsite while everybody else is stuck or struggling, you will know that getting a Syncro wasn't a bad idea after all.

The first time you camp in a place where you wouln't ever have dreamt of getting to before, you will know that buying a Syncro was one of your better ideas

What engine is in it?
If its the 70 hp turbodiesel (jx) it could be struggling with the extra weight of the 4x4 bits AND a heavy camping conversion ...but you'll find that out during a test drive

Post by **andysimpson** » 28 Jun 2007, 20:38

Fuel consumption will be slightly more. Tyres can not be ignored on a syncro unless you want some exspenive repair bills other than these things can be ignored.

Post by **Mudlark** » 29 Jun 2007, 09:40

Or take out the prop shaft and run it 2wd; may be less wear and tear, but no significant increses in fuel efficiency and still neeeding some syncro specific parts at some point...

Always difficult to make the decision to buy a van when you dont know what else might be available just around the corner...

But for my money nobody who wants a 2wd van should buy a syncro for the camper conversion or the condition of the interior if you get my meaning.

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 29 Jun 2007, 17:52

decent camper syncros are always sought after. Yes they will require there own maintenance above and beyond what a 2WD requires and deeper pockets when something syncro specific goes. https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Syncro_links_page
there is a load of info on the wiki that is syncro specific just to give you a flavour of some of the joys of syncro ownership, plus there is a buyers guide there too.

Post by **Ernest** » 29 Jun 2007, 18:47

Thanks very much for this range of advice. I am impressed with the thoughtfulness of your responses. I really do appreciate being able to learn from your experiences. You have all given me something to think about.
The engine is the 1.9 water-cooled pet so i guess would be OK for pushing the syncro.
Ernest