Expert(geek) advice needed

[mak1]

Hi I am new to this forum and retro/classic vehicles, currently running a T5 174 for work. However I have always coveted a T3 syncro and while abroad I have come across the opportunity to buy one . What I need is for an expert eye on pics to see if the vehicle looks to be what it says( if possible) and also some advice warnings and any danger signs to be aware of, as I am not a mechanic and not that knowledgable about that area.
The story I have been told is that this is a genuine factory model and the present owner is its 3rd , it is in original condition having 2 years ago a respray to original colour. Although the vehicle is currently registered off road I have been reassured that it everything is in perfect order as the owner had planned a desert trek in the vehicle and it was prepped for this, however usual story new baby family etc have prevented such a trip and no longer have need for the vehicle otherwise. Any help would be apreciated and thanks.So here are the pics:

[Mickyfin]

Welcome to the forums. Any additional photos? Would like to take a look at the nearside.

Hungarian?

What year is it, and what engine does it have? Mileage? Diff locks? Interior photo of dash would help.

[mak1]

Here are a couple more pics, all I have. It is a 2 litre boxer engine, mileage to be confirmed as for dif locks that is unknown territory for me so if you could enlighten me I could get confirmation. Using a friend who is fluent for translator I have been informed all paperwork is present , will be viewing tomorrow. So need to go armed and prepared.

[Mickyfin]

Thanks for the extra photos. Sadly none of them are showing either the diff lock panel, or rear fuel cap, although the one photo does show that the fuel cap is not there where it would be if a non-Syncro.

Are you needing a Syncro specifically? It's just that they are specialist vehicles, and high maintenance, and without sounded negative, there is a whole lot of information you need to learn/know before even viewing imo.

Diff locks, if fitted, they lock either the front or rear diffs, or both if both fitted. There should be a control panel in the centre of the dashboard. This shows a small skeleton drawing of the drivetrain, with either one, two, or in rare cases, three pull knobs to activate the diff locks. If working correctly, the lights should illuminate in said control panel, but not a guarantee they are in fact working. There is a guide in the wiki up the top of the page on the various test proceedures to carry out to check the diff locks.

[mak1]

I fully appreciate what your saying regarding my lack of knowledge of these veichles , I do however understand the rarity and kudos of such a thing. I have a rural plot in Hungary where a veichle with such off road capabilites would be ideal ,and not to my currant T5 174's liking. Anything Im lacking in experience and knowledge I can make up for in willingless to learn and educate myself in these things.

I have been in great appreciation of these veichles for some time now , and always follow threads and articles online , I didnt really have any intenions of buying one right now , but since this oppertunity has presented itself, I know I would be wrong not to , and in the UK where I live at the moment these are extremely rare now ! and the chance that I would get another oppertunity this good are unlikely ! I think you can count on your fingers and toes how many syncro's are in the UK.

Really appreciate your advice ! Will be going to look at the veichle Monday.

[syncropaddy]

I think you can count on your fingers and toes how many syncro's are in the UK.

Do you have a couple of hundred fingers and toes?

There is not a lot 'factory original' on that one Im afraid! I dont think the colour is not original even. Do you have any pics of the passenger side and the dash/heater area?

[mak1]

What I meant to say is that these vehicles are rarely available and the demand for good working ones would seem to outstrip supply. As for more pics , until I get to see the vehicle in person I cannot confirm anymore, all I can say is that the advert and the seller(through phone contact) explicitly state that this is not an aftermarket converson but an original(factory) syncro camper as stated by its registration documents and paperwork, which he has. Whether there have been alterations or changes during its life I cannot say, I will have to wait see the vehicle and documents to confirm anything.

[syncropaddy]

What I meant to say is that these vehicles are rarely available and the demand for good working ones would seem to outstrip supply. As for more pics , until I get to see the vehicle in person I cannot confirm anymore, all I can say is that the advert and the seller(through phone contact) explicitly state that this is not an aftermarket converson but an original(factory) syncro camper as stated by its registration documents and paperwork, which he has. Whether there have been alterations or changes during its life I cannot say, I will have to wait see the vehicle and documents to confirm anything.

Well there are many members on here that can 'explicitly state that this IS an after market conversion and is NOT an original (factory) Syncro camper'. You need to understand that VW NEVER made or sold a T3 camper. There have been alterations to that vehicle all right and it could be said that a company called Westfalia did the official T3 camper conversion and that is definitely not a Westfalia. Be very careful with that van

[Sebastian S]

As other's have said, certainly not factory... Looks like a early Westfalia Joker 2 interior (1980ish) fitted to a basic Syncro Kombi. Pop-top roof is maybe SCA or Reimo? Not sure what the jalousie windows is from, but not the factory.
Regarding the colour, could be the original one (or else they have repainted it inside-out), but it's not one of the more common paints. Maybe it was a special order (maybe for a company fleet of vehicles or similar) or it was a local option for Hungary. There was a very similar colour available for the T3 in the early years. The og. paint code will be stamped on a plate under the drivers seat.
Front door cards and seats doesn't match either. Black door cards would have gone with black seats etc.

None of the above means it's not a good buy obviously, far from all sellers now exactly what they are selling!
Lots of info to be had on this forum and elseswhere in what to look at when buying a T3 and especially a Syncro. Do the homework and go have a look, and good luck

[mak1]

As you are the experts and know your stuff, would you say that if the above is true would you say that provided it is a solid(ie good bodywork etc) working syncro that it is still worth the asking price £3200 . The reason being I have seen nothing but rust buckets and major projects for this price in the uk, and before you say that it could be too good to be true there is not the sort of appreciation(in general) for the old vehicles here in Hungary as other places and there is more an a need for practical working vehicles since the majority of people here do not have the disposable income to indulge so much in expensive past-times. There are a few other syncros for sale for less but only one other in similar condition but that is a straight syncro van.

[..lee..]

ok in as little words as possible.
general buying advice.

if the syncro is cheap presume it to be a doer up. as such budget on mechanical and body works. body work can be assesed as in any other vehicle that was designed to be used off road.

mechanically recipts are everything as is the fact that the van has been owned by a recognised syncronaut and as such the van is known to the club and it club members.

obviously there are still bargains out there and good vans that are " hidden " from the syncronauts but they are few and far between.

buying a syncro in a hurry can be a disastor but the price does seem reasonable for what it " APPEARS " to be.

looks home brew conversion to me useing westfalia parts. if it does not have any diff locks fitted you will not be able to use it in the way you see some syncro`s being used on the videos posted.

they can be fitted afterward at a cost. any transmition querys should be able to be sorted by " Aidan " on hear.

GOOD LUCK hope it works out for you.