1987 Vanagon GL Syncro 7 passenger van. Wolfram grey Metalic with grey cloth. Standard model with a/c, no diff lockers.

This bus was retired from our transportation fleet when we found a 6 speed Audi Allroad. We purchased the bus in October 2005, went through it mechanically gave it a bath and put it on the road essentially as a work truck and daily driver for just over 33k miles. We have now reconditioned it again, more cosmetically this time and are offering it for sale as a good condition, roadworthy, stock/original Vanagon Syncro. We picked this bus up in Northern Virginia. It is a US model but had European decals and markings and the Carfax indicates that it was shipped from the UK to Norfolk, VA in 1997 so it apparently spent some time overseas. It is important to note that this vehicle has a branded title - Not actual mileage, which is probably a result of going back and forth to Europe. Our earliest repair order shows 34,381. The odometer does work and now shows 67,639. So all we can really verify is how many miles we have put on it.

Our initial service was a big one as we were preparing it for serious use. This included:

Rebuilt transmission from German Transaxle

New clutch, pilot bearing & crank seal

Front differential service and new front CV axle boots

Repack rear CV joints

New drive shaft U joints

New shift rod bushings

New steering rack boots

Rear wheel cylinders New front brake calipers and backing plates

New brake master cylinder and brake fluid flush

Cooling system flush, thermostat, fan switches etc

All new exhaust, hardware and 02 sensor

New fuel filter and hoses

New throttle cable

Both oil pressure switches replaced

Oil change + air filter

Wiper blades, bulbs etc for inspection

4 Continental Vanco-8 tires

In 2009 at 60k miles:

Engine removed due to head gasket leak

New cylinder heads & gaskets

Water pump

Spark plugs

Thermostat

Drive belts

Coolant flush

In 2013 at 67k miles:

New fuel pump, filter and hoses

New interstate battery

New ignition coil

July 2014:

Thorough checkover

Exhaust re-sealed

New muffler

Tune- up: spark plugs, wires, dist cap & rotor, air filter, fuel filter

3 belts

Oil change

Fresh coolant

differentials serviced

New front brake hoses

Front brake pads

Rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders

A/C compressor replaced with known good unit, R134A freon

control arm bushings replaced

Alignment

4 new tires - General Grabber A/T on stock Vanagon alloys

Wiper blades

Headlight adjusters and various bulbs

NC state inspection

All over paint, new window seals, stripe and trim painted

New CD player & antenna

Front rubber floor mats from GoWesty

Professional detail

The bus is now ready to sell. It is a good looking example, mostly due to being such a strong color and being trimmed out. The paint work is decent and thorough, but not show stopping. This bus is very solid and does not have rust issues like so many other Syncros. The interior is all original and surprisingly clean given the age and how we have used it (carrying tools & construction materials.) Everything works including the A/C. The engine starts and runs great and really has decent power for being a stock 2.1. Overall, this bus drives well. It has new brakes and tires which certainly make a difference. The 4WD sytem is all intact and working. It is safe, roadworthy, inspected and ready to go - not a proejct unless you want to modify it. There is no reason it can't be driven home. We will gladly pick you up at the airport or train station. We do not pay for shipping, but in many cases can help make arrangements. Please feel free to contact us with questions or for more details on this Syncro.

We have included 68 photos depicting the exterior, interior, chassis, engine and what the bus looked like prior to being refurbished.

We have several other VW vans for sale and coming up for sale including:

1974 Westfalia camper, 1985 Vanagon commercial model, 1986 Vanagon GL Syncro 7 passenger, 1993 Eurovan MV camper

At Auto Focus you'll find a variety of quality, pre-owned automobiles, both import and domestic. All of which have been thoroughly inspected and serviced by the experts at our shop, Foreign Accents. We have come a long way since opening the first small shop here in 1974. Today our operation is still family owned and encopasses all aspects of the automobile business including sales, vehicle loaction, service, restoration, parts and accessories.

1. NC residents

In addition to the sale price, North Carolina residents are also responsible for: NC Highway Use Tax which is 3% of the vehicle's sale price; License and title fee of $73.00; Auto Focus documentation fee of $169.  NC residents must have a valid NC drivers license and must have at least liability insurance coverage on the purchased vehicle before it can leave the Auto Focus lot. Auto Focus will complete all title work for NC residents.

2.Out of state buyers

All buyers who take personal delivery, and drive their vehicle from the Auto Focus lot must have at least liability coverage insurance on the vehicle purachased as this is a requirement in NC. The title and registration process and associated costs will be the responsibility of the buyer. We provide airport pick up from GSO at no charge.

3. Deposit and final payment

A deposit of $500 is required within 24 hours of sale. Payment in full is required before a sold vehicle can be released. Vehicles can be paid for in cash, by certified funds, by personal check, once cleared, and by loan check. Auto Focus must be notified within 36 hours of sale as to how the vehicle will be paid for. An important note about the deposit: We try very hard to accurately represent our vehicles. If you are the winning bidder, or agree to purchase a vehicle and are dissatisfied with the condition of the vehicle once you arrive, we will return your deposit. If you simply change your mind, or fail to even come look at the vehicle you have agreed to buy, your  $500 deposit will not be refunded.

4. Shipping

Shipping cost and arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer.

5. Warranty

All vehicles sold by Auto Focus have been inspected and serviced by Foreign Accents, a Bosch Service Center in Greensboro, NC. All vehicles have a current NC inspection unless otherwise noted.

Vehicles sold by Auto Focus are sold AS-IS with no warranty unless there is factory warranty coverage remaining.

An aftermarket extended warranty plan by Easy Care is available at the buyers expense on some of our vehicles.  Please contact us for more details and to see if the car you have chosen qualifies.