VW Type 25 CARAVELLE SYNCRO Excellent Condition rare 4 wheel drive 2100cc T25

This 9 seat 2. 1 petrol injection Syncro is in very good condition.  The bodywork is very good and the underside excellent.    I have owned it for 5 years. but recently I have used it infrequently and wish to sell.   It's a powerful T25. which in Syncro guise is a superb off road vehicle.   T25 Syncros were made in limited numbers. left hand drive only and. when new. were expensive vehicles.   In my opinion the Syncro is far superior to the 2wd variant: more solid. better traction and increased ride height.   The 2. 1 WBX high output engine is fast and powerful and this Syncro will comfortably cruise fully loaded at the legal limit.    This vehicle is excellent in difficult weather conditions and with an auxillary heater fitted is superb for passengers in very cold temperatures.

I used to live and work in Finland and bought this Syncro in Helsinki in 2008.   Finland is an excellent place to source Syncros due to the low humidity climate.    I left Finland in 2010 and drove it back to the UK and had it re-registered.   Since then it has only been used during the summer when I have returned home from working abroad.   It has passed the MOT every year with little expense and always draws favourable comments from the testers.

Before I left Finland in 2010 I had the 4wd system checked by Oberschlachter. the Finnish Syncro specialist.   It was hoisted and run.   The prop shaft was replaced with a lower mileage one that had excellent joints as was one of the front drive shafts.   The viscous coupling was working fine.   The 4wd system continues to function perfectly.   When driving there is a quiet whining sound. but this is how Syncros are.   There is no vibration.   The gearbox is excellent.   It is 4 speed plus the crawler gear which works as it should.

The underside of this Syncro is excellent. you won't find much better.       Oberschlachter protected the underside in 2010. which I have since recoated with Waxoyl in 2012. Some welding done has been done by Resto Classics in Hastings. a VW specialist.   This was around the front seat belt mounts in the wheel arch which is a water trap.   It's all solid. protected metal there now.   The rear diff lock does not function. though they are readily available.   I used the Syncro in Finnish winter conditions. including deep snow. and never got stuck so I saw no need to replace it.  

There is very little rust in the bodywork and I have had a few panels professionally repainted.   There is small amount of bubbling on the rear quarters. which you can see in the photos.   I added the VW 4 headlamp conversion. which enhances the appearance.   I replaced all 4 tyres simultaneously (as you should with Syncros) in 2010.   They have done few miles since then.   The bumpers look original and have some bumps and bends. but I have replaced the plastic end caps.   The roof is a bit dull and has stone chips. which I've touched up.   I have seen no need to re-paint. the vehicle is so tall (6 feet 4 inches) that you cannot see the roof's lack of shine.

The interior is clean. tidy and comfy.   The headlining is intact.   The seats have had tailor made covers fitted. I guess as an optional extra from new. and they are in very good condition.   The original rubber floor mats are present in the cab and passenger area.   They show some wear with a few small splits. but are overall are good and have plenty of life in them.   The diamond pattern remains all over the rubber which tends to wear flat with heavy use.   During my ownership the Syncro has been a cared for vehicle. treated with the utmost respect and I have kept the interior presentable.   The middle row of seats is easily removed and I have mostly used the Syncro as a 6 seater.   The Syncro is excellent for rear passengers in the winter as it has a fan driven auxillary heater which runs off the cooling system.   There is a heater matrix under the rear seat which I had replaced in about 2009 in Finland.   It works very well and keeps your passengers warm and happy!

The engine has always been an excellent starter in all weather.   Even after standing for several months it starts first time.   It uses very little oil and retains its power.   The oil and filter have been changed around every 3000 miles.   Aside from basic maintenance the engine has been trouble free.   The engine bay is clean and tidy.   There is no oil deposits and all the hoses and pipes are clean and dry.   The exhaust seems to be solid.   It's as fast as any T25 I've driven and it comfortably pulled my caravan back from Finland.   There is a tow-bar fitted with fully functional electrics.   I haven't found the engine to be unduly thirsty.   On a run it averages around 30mpg dropping to 25 on mixed journeys.   Bearing in mind the size of the vehicle. 4wd and the large motor I think this is pretty economical.

There is very little I can criticize about this vehicle.   It has been a reliable. lusty. functional vehicle. which I will miss.   It has been a family friend for many years and my kids have loved being in it.   There are a couple of problems that I will point out.   Firstly. the odometer has stopped working.   This has been the case for more than a year. though in that time it has probably only covered a couple of thousand miles.   I took the instrument binnacle off today and the counter has become detached due to a broken tab.   It either needs fixing or a new odo installed.   I don't want to do this as it would be misleading for whoever bought it.   I would rather sell it a few km short rather than put one in that's well out km wise.   The speedo works fine.  The second problem is one that I've only noticed this week.   There is a small fuel leak.   It's not in the pressured part of the system. but from a gasket on the filler neck.   It smells briefly after switching off. but doesn't seem to linger.   I would fix it. but don't have the time as I am going back to Germany.

The MOT is due on July 25. 2013.   I have taxed it for 6 months from April 1 and this can go with the Syncro.   I am presently on Easter holiday in the UK. but I live and work in Germany and will be returning in a couple of days.    I have only used the Syncro for at most 6 weeks per year for the past 3 years.   During this time it hasn't travelled too far from home.   It has been dry stored while I have been away.   I am leaving the Syncro with my father who lives in North Kent 10 minutes from the M2. 5 minutes from the M20 and 20 minutes from the M25.  He is more than happy to take viewings.   If you wish to view text or phone 0794 1160557. He knows quite a bit about the bus. otherwise I am happy to answer questions by email from Germany.   I will not be contactable this weekend due to travelling. but from Monday April 8 I will be online.   I have several photos of the underside. including the sills which are both excellent.

The winning bidder to pay immediate 500 pounds deposit.  Balance payable prior to driving away within 7 days.

On 05-Apr-13 at 08:55:47 BST. seller added the following information:

Contact number for arranging a viewing is 01634 240707.  

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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