Club 80-90 Forums

I'm a bit of a newbie on here - only been posting for a couple of months, ever since I got it into my head that I fancied a syncro. Originally, I was after a Bay, but I moved towards T25s when I saw how much more room there was in them, and once I clapped eyes on a syncro...well, I wanted one of those! My original plan was a sort of home-built hybrid - part day van, part camper - just like a multivan, as I found out later.
So I've spent the last couple of months reading all the posts, the wiki, and anything else I can find, while at the same time searching the web for Syncros for sale. But when it comes to actually DOING IT (ie. buying one) I find I'm hesitating. I've had the chance to buy a couple, but haven't gone through with it. Part of my problem is that I can't decide which type to buy (a camper would be nice, but a RHD one is very hard to find), but another part of it comes down to pure FEAR.
Reading the posts on here, it's easy to get the idea that T25 syncros are a real disaster area when it comes to running costs. Having run a beetle on a shoestring buget for the last ten years, I don't much fancy the idea of a car that needs near-constant attention. I can do basic work on a car, but I don't honestly have the time or the facilites (no garage) to get involved in some of the jobs that others have mentioned on here. I can afford repairs to be done professionally, but not if they're going to be needed all the time. And the thought of buying all four tyres at once - ouch!
Metalmicky advised I'd be better off with an ordinary T25 - I could even make it look like a Syncro, if I wanted - and he could be right. But as everyone on here knows, the pull of a syncro is a strong one, and a lookalike just wouldn't be the same thing. So what would you all advise?

You sound like I was before I got mine. I too spent months reading up, and researching the various important things to know about Syncro's, and it was this, plus my previous 4x4 experience back in the UK, (I restored Cavalier Gsi2000 4x4's, same as used in BTCC), I took the plunge.

If you read my Flintstone thread on here from start to end you will have some idea what you are letting yourself in for. I took a train journey to buy my Syncro, and it was the very first time I had actually recalled seeing one in the flesh, and was taken back by how big it was. Mine stands just over 6ft tall. Im only 5ft 10".

Basically, you just need the support, and convincing that you KNOW what your doing, and as said, after reading the valuable info, help, and advice on here, you are heading in the right direction mate.

Good luck, take your time, and don't rush into the first you see. I know I did, but I guess I was lucky to find a 1992 Syncro in such solid nick, well, apart from a hacked rear arch. Check my Flintstone thread for more

I have never seen a 2wd van that looks like a Syncro. you cant raise them that much due to the engine being higher on a 2wd van and the limits of the CV joints, you cant get the 215/75/15 tyres to fit without hitting the front arch due to the low ride hight.

Just go for it

jed

i think that the key is to just make sure you get a sound one in the first place.
mine have been briliantly reliable for years...up until they werent, but apart from the fact it is taking me ages to fix them and the cost is quite high, i fully expect them to carry on reliably after.
i think that the problems you are reading about are mainly due to the fact that we have reached an age barrier we all have to overcome. none of them are now younger than 20 and certain parts seem to have just got to the end of their useful life and are suffering 10 or more years of neglect.
i suspect that in a few years time the vans which are left will be good ones and the availability of parts will be even better.

i struggled to find bits for my splitty 20 years ago but 10 years later there was nothing which couldnt be bought for it.

If you do nothing then you will always have a cold that is trying to be a fever, or a itch that will always need scratching.

The technical term is called "Syncro Fever", seems to mainly a male problem, but then again there is the very bad female case (Cooper)

A prime example of someone trying to scratch the itch that couldn't quite be reached. Frantic threads. But then cured by one purchase of what appears to be a quality vehicle.

The thing to remember is that if you were then to loose the "need" for your syncro, you can sell it, and very probably at a profit, if, and a big if, you bought wisely in the first place.
Personally I love them. By far the best ever vehicle ever made for so many reasons. Ask the question, "If I had a syncro panel van, what other vehicle could do as much, or go as many places?"

Some other 4x4 may be able to go to similar places, but can they carry as much cargo? Could you sleep in them comfortably? Ae they going up in value?

Buy one, then you'll be happy

Thanks for the messages of support, and the PM offers to sell me a Syncro!
I'll keep my eyes open, and look for a good one before I make the leap.
Let me know if you have a good one you want to sell on. Still worried though.......

What you have to bare in mind is that 90% of them want rebuilding regardless of the inflated cost someone tries to peddle a van for just because it's a syncro.
I can't see the value in buying a syncro considering how much work they need doing to put them right.
If you factor in doing tank straps, a gearbox rebuild, a new set of CV joints, complete set of brakes and every bush, balljoint and damper you won't be so far off
But, if you have the screaming must haves then they are fantastic when they are right and you'll have loads of running one I'm sure.

i love the look and i love the vehicles...they are great.

would i like one....oh yes.

would i buy one....the main factor surely(?) must be....do you want the ability to go off road in a camper type van ?

if you do....get one.

if you dont like driving thru mud...why buy a syncro when you could by a really nice westy and save a chunk of dosh.

FEAR is the enemy of syncro ownership. Be BOLD!

Mine's for sale and there when purchased there will be nothing to do on it ...... unless of course you want to camperise it and completely feck it up!

if you want a syncro, get one. I went down the 2WD route first, as i missed out on buying a trakka syncro that pops up on here occasionally. Spent the next year dreaming of syncro's so sold the 2WD and bought one I've never looked back. just don't look at the pile of receipts..

syncropaddy wrote:Mine's for sale and there when purchased there will be nothing to do on it ...... unless of course you want to camperise it and completely feck it up!

i'm tempted to buy it and put a hightop on it just to see your face might fit a decoupler too.....and change the gearbox oil....

lloydy wrote:

syncropaddy wrote:Mine's for sale and there when purchased there will be nothing to do on it ...... unless of course you want to camperise it and completely feck it up!

i'm tempted to buy it and put a hightop on it just to see your face might fit a decoupler too.....and change the gearbox oil....

Just sign the nineteen pages of terms and conditions and its yours .......

Syncro fever doesn't end with buying one!
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=103002