Im trying to find a new vehicle for my sister after her car was written off by an avalance

She wants a van... so I suggested she looked at the VW transporter... we have had three over the years and like them...

I know they made/make a syncro version of it...

Was looking for a T4 syncro TDI.. wondered if anyone had any experience of them and cared to comment on the useability and reliability of the system... (im guessing its haldex?)

Anyone have any idea where I might be able to find one?

Have a look round here:
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/
If you want to get into all the tech sections there's a membership fee, the social side of the forum comes for free.
I've got an ex AA one which is just 2wd & it's the best van I've had, tons of gear available to modify & style it to suit you & very well built but not the easiest to work on (but what modern stuff is?).
I've a mate who runs a Synchro, an ex Tranco one. It's been reliable for him so far, I'm not sure but I think the 4wd is full-time & has a lockable centre diff. It still has the same transverse engine layout.
Downsides are the price, the demand from the VW scene/camper/surf community mean that you'll pay a bit more than for a similar Vito/Transit etc & the rarity of the Syncro will only amplify that. It also weighs a lot for it's size & still drives like the van it is compared with more modern rivals.