syncro or not

Post by **marc123** » 20 Apr 2008, 15:02

I am looking at buying a camper and am trying to decide between a t25 westie or a syncro westie can anyone give me any idea of the difference between the two as in cost of servicing and general maintenance,I do like the idea of being able to go off road and reach the parts other campers can't reach

but I have also read on the web the syncro cost's a lot more to fix than a standard t25

all your help and advice would be greatly appreciated thanks.Also is there any difference in the fuel economy.

Post by **Grantourer** » 20 Apr 2008, 18:57

Hi, We thought about buying a Syncro rather than a normal T25, in the end it came down to would I want to play in the mud with my camper? and the answer I came to was no. So we bought a 1989 Westie to replace our 1985.

Regards, Graham

Post by **peasant** » 20 Apr 2008, 19:25

Syncro advantages:
- you can go off-road if you want to
- you don't get stuck on a wet campsite
- roadholding for every day driving is much improved, especially in the wet
- G-gear is handy for maneuvering on steep hills or in very tight spaces (and off-road of course)

Syncro disadvantages
- some of the 4WD bits can be pricey if they go wrong
- it's dearer to buy
- 4WD increases fuel consumption by ca 10 %

Post by **amazingdave** » 21 Apr 2008, 12:01

As peasant, says....

Could wind up costing a bit if the 4wd has issues.

They are however even more addictive and lovable than a normal T25,
I love mine, and have already got into some great spots with it... and out again.

They handle excellently on and off road.

Get one!

Post by **marc123** » 22 Apr 2008, 17:48

Are the parts for a syncro easy to come buy??and also does anyone know of any for sale in good nick thanks again all

Post by **peasant** » 22 Apr 2008, 18:08

There are three (or is it two?) Syncro specialists on this forum alone and then there is always the internet.

Stick with a 14" Syncro and getting parts shouldn't be a problem ..paying for them may be a different matter.

Now is the wrong time of year to go looking for a camper ...prices always get a bit silly once the season starts.

Generally speaking, unless you're an originality freak / collector, I'd be looking for a "normal" Syncro van and then stuff it with camping bits or somebody elses home conversion rather than an original works Syncro as these can command unrealistic prices.

Getting a naked van might actually be a good idea, that way you can make sure that there is no rust (the other major enemy besides technical faults) and make sure it stays that way by conserving it before you stick the camping bits in.

Camping interiors come up for sale fairly regularly, a Syncro of sound body and mechanics can be somewhat rarer.