Advice on taking the plunge: 95 Synchro Diesel MV

[Salinity]

Hi all - long time lurker here. In the midst of a 10-day NV-CO trip in a rented campervan, I found a rare bird up in my neck of the woods - a 95 MV diesel (non turbo) synchro. Hoping to get a chance to check it out this weekend and I would very much appreciated any and all opinions / advice on what to look for, what to expect with this make & model, etc., while I continue to go down the rabbit hole of awesome info in the forums. It’s near the top end of our budget (leaving a bit or room for any work / improvements). My immediate main concerns are (1) corrosion around the rear hatch glass (typical seam rust evident elsewhere), (2) the roof glass unknown condition of seals), and (3) availability and cost of parts, since it was imported.

Here’s some info from the ad:

“2.4L 5 cylinder diesel with 5-speed manual transmission and Syncro 4 wheel drive. Info from VWAG indicates van was produced for German domestic market and came to USA sometime ago.

Service performed during my ownership - new cylinder head and gasket, new timing belt, injection pump belt and alternator, have receipts. Comes with new modern bluetooth stereo, rear heater, winter tires/wheels, stowaway table, sunroof, and swivel captain's chairs. KPH speedometer was changed for MPH speedometer, actual mileage is ~190k”

Thoughts?

[CdnVWJunkie]

[Salinity]

Thanks for the advice. Just working off pics, a couple of the hotspots show some signs of rust, but the severity is up in the air until I can get a look-see. The PPI advice is well-received.

[Salinity]

The real question: Think this synchro is a good deal at 10k?

[url] https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/cto/d/somerville-1995-vw-van/7402126363.html [/url]

[wannabecamper]

The question is... how much cancer is there. The body work may not be worth it.

On the other hand, the drivetrain alone may be worth close $10K if that is in tip top shape, but it is a project moving over to another van.

Lastly naturally aspirated 2.4L... It is rated at 77 HP and 120 lb#. 2.5L is 109 HP and 140lb#. I think it would be a "pain" to drive that van around in the contemporary roadways. One upside is the MPG, but I personally don't believe it is worth it over losing my sanity on the freeway.

BUT the big consideration is what you said. "It is near the top of my budget".
If so, don't buy this. My 2 cents.

[Salinity]

Thanks for the advice all. Decided to pass and hold out for something a bit more budget-kind / entry level.

Cheers!