1986 Volkswagen Vanagon Syncro review from North America
"I will keep this car forever and will replace engine with new 1.9l VW turbodiesel"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
2nd gear crunch, ignition replaced, head gasket at 60k and 100k. Air condition unit fell down.
General comments?
Head gaskest problems due to non vw mechanic using wrong type of coolant. Flushed and swiched to VW certified non phosphate coolant and now no problems. Air conditioner unit fell down off ceiling because of 4x4 off road conditions.
Syncro all wheel drive is awsome in snow and ice driving conditions. Fixed 2nd gear crunch and rebuilt transmission adding front and rear lockers changed syncro system to a true 4x4 set up and added a de-coupler. Now I can go anywhere! It is not made for speed off roading so the 90hp motor with the trail gear can climb a wall with stair step ruts with mud, snow and ice. I am finding it hard to challenge this vehicle short of rock crawling like jeeps that have thousands of $$ in suspension work. Mine is stock suspension.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1986 |
| Year of manufacture | 1986 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.1L Wesserboxer Manual |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 114000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 160000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Vanagon |
| Date of Entry | 12th September, 2007 |