whats better a VwSyncro /or a Landydefender

[syncrosimon]

When I worked for the National Trust based at Polzeath we had a brand new H reg 90, we had to take it across Polzeath beach most days from Pentireglaze Haven to check the beach for rubbish etc. The bulk head rusted right through before she was 3 years old. The NT had to threaten Land rover with court action to sort it out under the warranty, and after that the NT bought Mitsubishi's. At the same time Lanhydrock and Lizard NT were running 1.6td Doka's, which they had for nearly 10 years. back then the wardens all wanted double cab 130 landies, but the syncro did all it could, was easier to drive, could lock your chainsaws in it, but was'nt as hard when it came to towing a 2 tonne ifor tipper trailer full of gravel. it was the same back then as is now, people dont understand the syncro.

[Peninsulakid]

Had a couple of landy's, 90's and 110's. Have now got a doka syncro, which I use everyday for work. Comfy, warm, dry, loads of space, will go anywhere. Would NEVER have another defender, cramped driving position, leaks, noisy, drafty and I'm talking about a 52 plate TD5 station wagon not an old rust bucket. Doka is 24 years old and a pleasure to drive.

Reckon there is only 1 answer to the question.

Cheers, good luck finding one.

[MoonlightCustoms]

ive had both. Syncro is epensive to run compared to the same 2wd VW but comparrable to a defender. nicer to drive in almost every way. The syncro is lighter and does as well if not better in wet going. the only thing the defender has got is towing abaility, but you cant have the moon on a stick can you?

[spaceboy1]

Thanks guys for the response,

some great feedback fellas and wise pointers.

thanks so much

now where can i get a good Syncro, anyone selling there's?

[woody0114]

Hi, if you do go the Defender route ( perish the thought ) buy a large drip tray for underneath, they come from the factory with oil leaks ( stops the chassis from rustig quikley ) I once fitted a BMW engine in one once and within a month it started to seep oil!!!

[ringo]

Defenders are ace.

Great drive hieght, really good fun to drive, good community (LR defender drivers wave to each other) and very easy to repair. Very capable off road and can tow anything.

Having done quite a lot of off roading in mine (sold now) i would have to have one fitted with front and rear diff lockers if i was going to get another.

Bearing this in mind, and the fact that i don't really tow much, i would have a syncro (more capable from the factory with the front/rear diff lockers and the VC) but as usual it would be down to the readies - i reckon a syncro costs more than a defender 110 (the 200tdi is the best IMHO). However, if your talking Tomb Raider double cab LR then the syncro is cheaper.

You do grow to love LR's but i agree with the above posts - they can be uncomfortable and a bit draughty. If they don't leak oil its because they have ran out.

Nice choice to have

Best of luck,

Ringo

[syncropaddy]

Do Land Rover owners ever discuss Syncros I wonder?

[matt brighton]

off topic ..but I want your old job syncrosymon ! - (working for the NT based in Polzeath).... preferably whenI was in my 20's - was Polzeath realtively "undiscovered" in the early 1980's?

matt - brighton

When I worked for the National Trust based at Polzeath we had a brand new H reg 90, we had to take it across Polzeath beach most days from Pentireglaze Haven to check the beach for rubbish etc. The bulk head rusted right through before she was 3 years old. The NT had to threaten Land rover with court action to sort it out under the warranty, and after that the NT bought Mitsubishi's. At the same time Lanhydrock and Lizard NT were running 1.6td Doka's, which they had for nearly 10 years. back then the wardens all wanted double cab 130 landies, but the syncro did all it could, was easier to drive, could lock your chainsaws in it, but was'nt as hard when it came to towing a 2 tonne ifor tipper trailer full of gravel. it was the same back then as is now, people dont understand the syncro.

[ringo]

Do Land Rover owners ever discuss Syncros I wonder?

They dont even know what a syncro is! LR's are best blah blah..

I was very active on the MudClub which is not LR based. There were a few mentions of syncros with some respect shown i seem to remember. I'd not heard of any syncro's in the club. I think Jed joined but i dont think he has the time or inclination to go out with them (if they ever go out round his way...).

Ringo

[Aidan]

There's a few syncros on mud club, Dai being one, but I think they got banned for being too clever, or something

[ringo]

Tee hee

There's a few syncros on mud club, Dai being one, but I think they got banned for being too clever, or something

[silverbullet]

I've has Solihull Shed and it nerly cost me my marriage. F'ing nightmare when you get a bad one.
I once heard the servicing of any coilsprung LR being likened to the pirennial Forth Road Bridge painting job - relentless!
Comparing a syncro to a LR is like comparing a micrometer to a G-clamp.

[andisnewsyncro]

Do Land Rover owners ever discuss Syncros I wonder?

Haing previously owned a LR 88", 90", 109", 110 Defender and a couple of Discos I was blissfully unaware of T3 Syncros for a while - until a bloke turned up with one at our local club site aout 10 or so years back. Personally I prefer my Syncro to all of the preious Landys I've had although the Disco was an incredible vehicle. I never saw the point of Discos until I bought one as a last resort needing a cheap truck - 250,000 miles on a 200tdi and it never missed a beat - top car.

In all honesty, my T3 Syncro which I have owned for the last 4 years suits me better, is more practical for what we need and I enjoy driving it; it's been our home on and off for long periods of time and has taken us everywhere we want to go without letting us down.


although I do still have a hankering for a series III lightweight

[silverbullet]

Late Efi 2-door Rangie for me. What a guilty pleasure. Gassed, of course!

[Yozza]

Comparing a syncro to a LR is like comparing a micrometer to a G-clamp.

Great analogy, can I borrow it?