VW Transporter T4 Syncro

[Lefty]

Having luckily had an ebay best-offer turned down on a very ratty transit (made in a haze of Glenmorangie fumes), I have decided that, in actual fact, I really do need a van.

I've seen a 1996 t4 syncro for sale that looks in decent condition. High miles but long mot and 1 owner from new. It's the 2.4 non turbo which I expect to be a bit underpowered... Anything I should watch out for? Anyone know much about them?

Ta

Lefty (sober now)

[Lefty]

Bump for the night shift.

Anyone got a t4 syncro?

[v8will]

One owner sounds good, I guess all the usual vehicle checks would apply. Just check the engine has no cooling or HG issues, I imagine a non turbo will have been driven fairly hard. Just check all the 4WD stuff works.

I haven't driven a syncro T4, only a T3, the rear engined one and that was a long time ago.

[morgrp]

Great vans - realistically the best van you can buy - 2.4 lump is super tough - you're right though - non turbo version is slow but come on it's a van - who cares - worked on a few t4's over the years and they are the most rust resistant and reliable van I've ever worked on - never seen or worked on a syncro so not sure how tough the 4wd system is - chances are it will be reliable if quattros are anything to go by - they hold their value superbly too

[morgrp]

Check for worn injectors and the cambelt change requires two belts, one cambelt and one diesel pump belt - access isn't amazing so can be pricey-ish to replace - bargaining tool if not been replaced

[Lefty]

Thanks!

[excel monkey]

[300bhp/ton mode on]

Out of interest, why do you need a 4WD Syncro? Towing? Winter invincibility?

If you're planning to go offroad, would something like a Disco commercial make more sense?

Not trying to mess with your original idea. The 4WD Syncro is a cool vehicle.

[Lefty]

I don't (I've got a Land Rover, a Forester and a 4wd golf already). I just need a van and I happened to see a syncro for sale locally.

Although, where I live we get snow for 5 months a year. I live 3 miles from the nearest road that gets cleared of snow and my hosue is a 150m up a hill from an unclassified road. My neighbour lost his hitop transit under a drift once last winter and 3 times the winter before.

4wd and winter tyres are handy at times up here

[Lefty]

Yes, it's old but it is also cheap and doesn't look too rusty