Son of Syncro...is there a modern equivalent?

[ihatemybike]

Oh yeah, 125k miles is nothing for an Astro. Heck, little over a week ago I used Green to tow Grumpy* from Toledo to Chicago. Green had no problems moving all that weight around and still managed 15.5 mpg.

*Was out wheeling without a full size spare and tore a sidewall on a hidden tree stump. Viscous clutch AWDs and Limited slip differentials do not like mismatched tires. If I had a 1999 or later I could have deactivated the AWD and mounted a mismatched tire on the front.

View attachment 113579

 

[ihatemybike]

I'm such a geek for these vans. 266 AWDs on Cars.com when I add the GMC Safaris to the search.

I found 11 AWD Astrofaris with less than 100k on Cars.com within 250 miles of Adams, MA.
http://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...kId-mdId-drvTrnId-mlgId&pgId=2102&mlgId=28859

Found 12 less than 100k and less than 200 miles from Adams on AutoTrader.com
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...&searchRadius=200&showcaseOwnerId=68922&Log=0

Personally, I'll be be buying my next Astro from outside of the rust belt. There are a few nice ones in Texas and Cali that I've been looking at, but I won't be buying till next year.

 

[Stroverlander]

I search Astro/Safari vans every now and then just to see what is out there and there are still some nice vans out there, maybe a bit of travel required.

In 2006 I searched for at least six months before purchasing my '04 Astro AWD (35k), flew to Chicago to pick up at dealer and drive 1000 miles home. Was worth it to get what I was looking for on this one.

Sounds like you may want something that doesn't exist (new) and may have to adjust your requirements a bit.

 

[stioc]

I know the Syncros and the Astros are popular around here but what about the older 4wd Previas and the lesser know still Mazda MPV 4WD vans?

 

[762X39]

It's timely that this thread came up. 2 weeks ago while in North Bay we boondocked in the Wal Mart parking lot and encountered a Vanagon as well as a Hiace and I was thinking that either might be our next campervan. We have had many adventures in our Unimog (with a 2 metre by 3 metre cabin there is a comfortable amount of room) but if the right Syncro comes along...

 

[Clutch]

The Ford Transit is coming for 2013 with the EcoBoost and supposedly a diesel, available overseas with AWD, whether or not the US will get that option is up in the air.

Looks like a great modern option to a VW.

 

[Haf-E]

I have friends with both the MPV (2) and the AWD Previa (1) - both are good ski rigs for families / friends - but the MPV is known to have a weak transmission - but does include a center diff lock and decent limited slip system and reasonable clearance - I've driven it in heavy hilly snow and was impressed with it. The Previa has less clearance and is not liked by Toyota mechanics I hear - but the floor is very flat and they do offer it with a small fridge / ice chest built-in on some models.

I've never seen either with a lifting roof or real camper setups. Both are long enough to sleep and head room is enough in either to sit up but not to move around like in a Vanagon.

 

[haven]

Previa with Pop Top. They were customized by RV rental companies in Australia and New Zealand.

 

[Clutch]

GTRV serves Canada and the US

http://www.gtrv.com/

I am not hip on mini vans, but the Toyota Sienna is available in AWD, correct?

 

[T.Low]

The Ford Transit is coming for 2013 with the EcoBoost and supposedly a diesel, available overseas with AWD, whether or not the US will get that option is up in the air.

Looks like a great modern option to a VW.

Is Transit a midsize? Looks to be a full size.

Too bad Toyota doesn't make a 4wd van on the Taco platform.

 

[Clutch]

Is Transit a midsize? Looks to be a full size.

Too bad Toyota doesn't make a 4wd van on the Taco platform.

Not a midsize, not quite a full size either...maybe call it extra medium size :sombrero:, could "replace" the VW Syncro for camping van needs, and it doesn't look like VW will ever bring the T5 here. At least there is an option coming.

Ford does have this too, as you guessed it not for the US.

 

[ihatemybike]

The Transit van is 80" wide, 147" or 170" wheelbase.

Econoline is 79.9" wide, 138" wheelbase.

Lengths for non-extended vans are about the same.

Transit is definitely a full size van.

 

[Clutch]

The Transit van is 80" wide, 147" or 170" wheelbase.

Econoline is 79.9" wide, 138" wheelbase.

Lengths for non-extended vans are about the same.

Transit is definitely a full size van.

Well there you go...still would make a great camper.

 

[T.Low]

Not a midsize, not quite a full size either...maybe call it extra medium size :sombrero:, could "replace" the VW Syncro for camping van needs, and it doesn't look like VW will ever bring the T5 here. At least there is an option coming.

Ford does have this too, as you guessed it not for the US.

View attachment 116148

Pretty sure I've seen these in Mexico.

 

[ihatemybike]

The Transit Custom is a new mid-size van, production started last month.
http://corporate.ford.com/news-cent...ail/pr-first-allnew-ford-transit-custom-36821
http://www.ford.co.uk/Commercialvehicles/TourneoCustom

The Transit van has been available in Mexico since 2007.
http://www.ford.com.mx/camiones/transit/conocelo/?intcmp=534