Club 80-90 Forums

Hi folks,

A local garage has a "H" reg LHD Caravelle Synchro awaiting preparation for sale. For what I can deduce it's a 2.1 injection CL, with eberspacher heating and 14 inch wheels. I don't know the mileage. It's a bit scabby around the edges in all the usual places. Basically it is in average condition for the year.

It is going to be advertised at £1995.

Can you Syncro experts give my a rough idea of the market value of this bus, as I am slightly tempted to buy if it's a steal!

Many thanks!

It get harder to answer a question like this by the day because the spares are getting more and more expensive. It depends - in my humble opinion - on the condition of the shell, the mechanicals and then the interior if it has one. Year and mileage have little bearing on values now and its a lottery. I have seen two Syncros standing beside each other costing the same - one a bucket of bolts and the other a fine clean example but two owners with different ideas on value. look at it sensibly - is it a rust bucket or is it a clean van, can you fix it, can you afford it???? If you want it go buy it at £1995 with an MOT and we will help you with all the advice you need!!!

The funny thing I find about Syncros is that normal logic rarely applies to them (or their owners! ). When buying a standard 2 wheel drive van or a car, many people will say to just make sure the body is OK, cause mechanical stuff can easily be fixed. This is not so for the syncro. If theres something mechanically wrong in the 4wd department or even the suspension, youre usually into big money, often more than what it would cost to get new sills welded in. If the van is sound mechanically, has been well looked after, the tyres are in good nick (a very good telltale a lot of the time) and the chassis is solid, then superficial body rust might not be so much of a big deal. A scab here or there isnt the end of the world, but a knackered gearbox could cost you a fortune to get repaired. I recommend you proceed with caution, make sure the four wheel drive system is working well and bring someone with you who really knows syncros. If its a good one, then yes, you might get yourself a bargain!

Many thanks for the info guys. I am always impressed by the quality replies on this forum.

After sleeping on it my sensible head says that one T25 is enough. I can't risk buying a money pit because I have already spent a lot of money this summer getting my broken gearbox rebuilt by Aiden (top job btw!).

It's nice to dream though!

Cheers!

Ol

Oliver, go on offer him £1450 with a mot and 6 tax, enjoy it over the winter and if it has to go next year you'll get your money back probably


now what was that you were saying about sensible replies ?

olly! can you give me a ring? 07732098577 cheers ian@syncronutz

Don't do it Ol.

He'll only add a grand on to it!

If its the one im thinking of! Was/has it been for sale on gumtree?