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4WDDubnut Commited Dubber

54 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#10929
It's not anti freeze that kills the engine it is the wrong coolant. Check with your local VW mechanic. They are a dream to drive. Mine is a 2.1 90 model. I have driven it all over Aus over the last 6 years or so. It cruises on 110-120kms all day. It has dual A/C Power steering. It is a limo! It is what Mr Pons dreamed his Transporter would evolve into! As for price you can buy a clapped out one for 2k or 14-15K for a schmick Caravelle. You get what you pay for I reckon.... If you are at the DOVW you can have a drive of mine if you like....you will be hooked though

Bizarre Moderator The artist formerly known as blue74l

12,787 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#10935
Cant really speak from experience JUST yet, cause it SHOULD be on the road in a week (or month or....)

Anyway, mine is a 81(?) bus, 2L carbed, hydro lifters, electronic ignition, automatic.

Yeah, they are a bit square, but handking wise they are much better than a bay, and much better than a split.
I got mine for the wife, cause she loves VW's, but we have a Falcon S/W and it is not big enough for 3 kids, bikes, etc etc.
We are completely rebuilding it at the moment - motor,interior, cookie cutters(yeah! - always wanted some!). Ok, i loose AC for the moment, but the space i pick up AND it should be nice to drive.

I will say i have heard the spare parts are VERY DEAR for the water cooleds but you can get AC in one.
Look for a good body and trim, parts are harder to get than a T1 (aw....der!). If you want a REALLY nice one....pay for the interior/exterior. You can always fix the mechanical, but getting that missing switch or replacing the head liner can be an expensive affair - BUT water cooled is a LOT dearer than air cooled.

Go air cooled and forget the AC

:puke
Futue te ipsum!!!

The_Bronze. Minister of Volkswagenism

1,922 posts · joined Sep 2002 ·

#11063
I'm interested in reading these posts for my mate, Dooghan up in Rocky (Qld.) as he has a yound family and are looking for a modern reliable bus or large car a little newer than some of the other variants of VW on offer.

He's not really an avid VW fanatic but theirs always hope. After he gets one I just have to get him to jack it, wack on some duellers and cut back the guards to keep up with the Dog.
Bronze.

Rathmines, Lake Macquarie, NSW.

syncro Seriously Crusin Dubber

103 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#11217
I have owned a '82 bus (now belongs to my bro)had it for about a year, bought it for $1000-bucks even had 5 spoke mags and cool two tone green paint, nice brown interior!with a stuffed motor, broken head stud, it had been fitted with a '89 2.1 water boxer, the van was showing over 400,000 k's and had had a broken speedo cable for over a year.Rebuilt the motor about $ 2000.My bro has had it about 2yrs and has done the g box about $1200.I was in it today and it is still a super smooth and quiet cruiser.
My current is a '89 Syncro Kombi van, I absolutely lurv this van! these are the ultimate development of the rear eng. kombi! had it for 2yrs. Rebuilt the g box at 189,000 k's 3rd/4th slider hub failure(common at about that milage)cost a bit under $2000 syncro's generally cost a bit more to maintain, replaced water pump, alternator, brake pads, clutch master cyl, front CV boots one rear spring and exhaust system parts (the front engine pipe genuine parts quote was $895)found a second hand one . Not that bad as I drive it every day.
Its very reliable !
Been around Tassie and all over Vic. it carries all our camping gear (2 kids and 2 adults) and gives us a place to sleep.

What to look for ?
as with any car- low kms
service history
well looked after

What type ?
Caravelle-$3000-$15,000-alot more refined carpet, sound deadening some with air, cruise control ect ect and seven seats.
Transporter-$3000-$10,000-commercial van few features although alot have been lined and seats fitted in the back.
Syncro-$8000-$20,000
Any way I rekon these vans are the coolest !I'd tell any one to get one...... just read up on them first .

http://www.vanagon.com/
http://www.syncro.org/

Syncro Steve