This thing about Syncros being a money pit ...

[peasant]

...is it actually true ?

I've had mine close on four years now and so far it has needed:

a new clutch
2x new tyres
new injectors
new glowplugs
a new exhaust

and of Syncro specific bits ...a refurbed VC, a new tank strap and one new front CV joint (which all in all cost about 1000 Euro)

So, the first few items are regular wear and tear things that any 2WD van will need at some point as well and the Syncro bits ...I mean, come on ...1000 Euro for a 20 year old vehicle to keep it going ...that's actually cheap in my book.

Also ..I spent quite a wad on buying it back then, but I believe I could sell it for just as much again, if not a little more

[..lee..]

depends on the condition to start with. the money i`ve spent on mine has been through choice, well a lot of it. so they dont have to be i suppose its down to how compulsive you are.

[lloydy]

I'm hoping once the initial spend on getting it working, running costs will be minimal.
Most money seems to go on 'improving' it, which hopefully i'll resist......... It's hard though!

[syncropaddy]

Almost all of the money I spent on mine was through choice. Other than service items and front wheel bearings, it has needed nothing at all. The thousands I spent were on transmission overhauls, alloys, Mefros and MT's, lift kits, brakes, shocks and a pile on the bodywork and paintwork, all unnecessary as it turns out ...... but they are the joys of ownership.

[Mercdoctor]

...is it actually true ?

NO...

Mine has only had.......
replaced engine
new gearbox
new starter motor
new clutch
new breaks
new wheel bearings
replacment propshaft
new vc
wishbone arm
windscreen
cab door
new battery
full respray
welding
difflock unit front
two driveshafts
2 cv joints
side silding door
4x tyres
4x wheel rims
new exhurst
1x front wheel bearing

[lughole]

...is it actually true ?

NO...

Mine has only had.......
replaced engine
new gearbox
new starter motor
new clutch
new breaks
new wheel bearings
replacment propshaft
new vc
wishbone arm
windscreen
cab door
new battery
full respray
welding
difflock unit front
two driveshafts
2 cv joints
side silding door
4x tyres
4x wheel rims
new exhurst
1x front wheel bearing

quite right, not expensive as you say,
ive simply replaced;

the engine
clutch
exhaust
most the bushes
the ball joints
pads
brake cylinders
2 x bearings
alternator
springs
shocks
along with throwing on a roofrack and about to get the drums upgraded to disks.
not bad for 10 months eh?

[syncropaddy]

...is it actually true ?

NO...

Mine has only had.......
replaced engine
new gearbox
new starter motor
new clutch
new breaks
new wheel bearings
replacment propshaft
new vc
wishbone arm
windscreen
cab door
new battery
full respray
welding
difflock unit front
two driveshafts
2 cv joints
side silding door
4x tyres
4x wheel rims
new exhurst
1x front wheel bearing

quite right, not expensive as you say,
ive simply replaced;

the engine
clutch
exhaust
most the bushes
the ball joints
pads
brake cylinders
2 x bearings
alternator
springs
shocks
along with throwing on a roofrack and about to get the drums upgraded to disks.
not bad for 10 months eh?

But you could have done all that on any car ..... Seems quite normal for a 20 year old vehicle

[lughole]

exactly, and this vehicle will hold much of that value, unlike others.
if id done all this to a 1991 Alfa the value wouldn't have necessarily increased.

[ericos_bob]

I've owned my syncro for over 2 years and it has cost me a lot in that time.

Things I have done by "choice"

transmission and diff replaced with locking type
decoupler/solid shaft
15"rhein alloys x6
All bushings replaced. control arm, trailing arm, stabilizer etc
Upper and lower ball joints replaced
2"gowesty lift springs
old man emu shocks front/rear
2.2 subaru engine install
pop top install
engel fridge
6 new tires
porsche cv joints all round
front fender modifications
3 x difflock actuators
stainless bush
south african oiling plates
0.73 3rd, 1.18 4th albins gears
camper conversion( in progress)

Things that actually needed doing
new tires
ball joints

Ok in fairness I have only been driving the van for about 6 months of the time but after having pulled it apart I found that many of the parts I replaced were in tip top shape and I'm certain I could have got a lot of trouble free motoring done with only a new set of tires and ball joints

There's not too many vehicles out there that have attained the popularity of the t3 syncro and those who own them tend to have a love/hate relationship with them. There are few other 20+ year old vehicles that have so many aftermarket upgrades/modifications available for them. The fact that the syncro is such a versatile vehicle doesn't help as it will do almost anything quite well but at the same time leaves room for one to customize it until it works for them exactly the way they want it to. Most other vehicles will work well for a single purpose be it a people carrier, 4x4, motor home, etc which can make things easier I guess as there is far fewer choices to be made. Owning a syncro is like playing hotrod american street drag. You can modify to your hearts content or until you run out of money.

[v-lux]

Surely it depends on how far you drive and what sort of driving you do?

Im hardly surprised i've had to replace some of the things i've had to after countless off-road driving sessions and 50,000 odd road miles since i bought it.