Are Syncro Westies expensive to maintain?
No, but repairs can be, particularly if you are comparing costs to a 2WD Vanagon. Syncro specific parts are very expensive, especially if you walk into your local VW dealer to order them (for sure, they won’t be in stock). Examples: Driveshafts approach $700, the viscous coupling can cost $4000 to swap out, the special snorkle air intake filters cost five times more than the one for the regular vanagon. These costs can be reduced with careful shopping, use of Internet discounts at certain dealers, and useing the assembled expertise of Syncro owners on the Vanagon List. With high part prices, it makes good sense to keep an eye open for good deals on older Syncros for use as a parts vehicle. Any running Syncro under $4000 is a serious candidate, and sometimes they appear for much, much less.
