Buying a syncro..

[RichD]

Hi all,

I've been looking at this one:

http://syncrospares.co.uk/wp-content/up ... pg-002.jpg

Does anyone know this van? I think it was restored/created by Russell at syncronutz a few years ago, with a tdi conversion done (an aaz I think..). It seems in good shape, but could do with tidying.. What would you think it's worth? Jon at syncrospares has quoted for upgrading the engine (afn), which would be great, but quite a cost on top of the van..

I hope I'm not treading on anyone's toes by asking, Jon at syncrospares has been very helpful so far in giving me info and advice about it, I just wanted to see what you guys on here thought.. Also is anyone else selling a syncro camper at the moment, to give me some other options?

All the best, Richard.

[orcecaveman]

All depends how much its going to cost i guess. I hope Russells engineering skills were better then than what ive witnessed.

[jebiga41]

The Unicorn is still for sale http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... id=1320930" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Syncrobaz]

Why change the aaz engine? Is it fooked ?? What sort of pennies involved ?????

[jed the spread]

I had my eye on that a few years ago before I bought my Westy. I offered the previous owner £13000 in conversation but he held out for the bigger price and not surprisingly got it. The interior is very nice with stacks of storage.

Jed

[RichD]

Thanks for your replies.. The current engine gave in after a long overland trip, apparently it's underpowered relative to the gearing ratios which are set up for cruising, so not enough hp in the lower revs I think. They had it repaired on route, but the advice is to spend money on the engine.. They would like £16000 for the van, then I've been given a couple of options engine wise, one that costs £2500 to £3000 another at £6200.. Of course I'd rather go for the £6200 version as it sounds great, with 120hp, and potential to go to 150hp..

What do you think about it holding this value, or appreciating, if I spend the money on it?

Cheers, R.

[syncropaddy]

IMHO £16,000 is far to much for a converted van that needs tidying and has a 'dicky' engine. It has all the stuff on it all right but its a lot of money. Also £6200 is mad money for an engine install and if you are looking for 150 bhp then you best have a good supply of gearboxes!

As for holding its value/appreciating if you spend the money on it, there is a limit on what people will pay and from looking at what is selling I would put that figure £17,500 for a totally genuine and original Syncro. This yellow Syncro you are looking at is not a totally genuine and original Syncro, no matter now you look at it, its nothing more than a converted van with the right stuff in it. If Jed reckoned it was worth £13,000 a few years ago then thats probably a fair price to use as a maximum guide - if it was in good condition, which by your words, is not the case.

[RichD]

Thanks for your thoughts. Yes, much as I like it, I agree with what you're saying.. I think they paid £12000 when they bought it from Russell after he'd converted it. Perhaps I'll make them an offer, but yes, I'm wary of paying too much for it..

[syncropaddy]

Perhaps I'll make them an offer, but yes, I'm wary of paying too much for it..

IMHO as it stands, needing tidying and an engine, its worth £8k

[ninja.turtle007]

If you are looking for a Syncro I have a diesel caravelle Syncro with a good camping interior and lots of extras and new bits for £6750.

[lloydy]

For the cost of that van, plus the engine conversion you might be able to pry mine away from me...

[hugomonkey]

you can have mine for 5½ grand that will leave you with 16-17grand for a bit of personalising

[syncro up]

This was mcgills banana bus, if you look at the syncro nutz website you might see the build photos.
As you know it was a rust free Finnish 16" van which Ian installed proper window panels and then the westy roof.

In its day, this was one of the best syncro campers in the country. Now if it's been on a road trip for the last year then all sorts of things could have happened to reduce this value, but I'd be surprised if these were significant beyond the engine.

Regards the engine, this used to have loads of power, easily out accelerating my AAZ single cab and used to road trip to Germany and back with a fully loaded trailer so I wonder what happened.

I don't know what engine it ran, but you talk about an engine conversion, really this should be a case of replacing the engine with whatever it ran before it went wrong, all the gearbox work etc has been done. So the cost involved should be minimal.

Cost wise, yea it appears quite overpriced if you need to add he engine fix over and above this. I'd be expecting a turn key camper, serviced taxd and mot'd for that price. However, remember you are buying this from a business and not a private seller so you will pay more.

[syncro up]

On reflection, if you have £20k+ to spend on a syncro, look at the German market for a 16" westy in good/excellent condition and that will hold its value for you. The unicorn is the ultimate here if you can afford it.

Paddy has a minted multivan which you could buy and have change left over to increase its camper ability.

Alternative is to see if Russell's LT 4wd camper is still for sale, think it was around £25k and a lot of van for the money, but this also opens up a whole other syncro-v-LT discussion...!

[lloydy]

this 16" westy is in the UK already