I have a 1989 syncro double cab and I love it. They are very good off-road. There's an awful lot to write about it, so I suggest you lurk on
www.thesamba.com. They have a vanagon forum. You'll also find info at
www.gowesty.com.
As I said, I love mine. But it is a cult vehicle. Big, modern American 4X4s are better in many ways, simply because the newest vanagon is 17 years old. A new truck will be less trouble (maybe), but my vanagon has been very reliable. The old syncros are hands-down winners in the cool department, especially if you're a VW nut, like me. After all, it's a rear-engine car.
A well-sorted syncro is expensive for an old car, but still less than a new 4X4. And it will go up, not down, in value. They get about 20 mpg. As for off-road, I've seen syncro campers go up hill climbs that Jeep CJs couldn't do. They're not as expensive to maintain as people say, and are easy to work on.
Bottom line, my Dodge Dakota 4X4 was dull as could be. The Vanagon is a lot of fun. But that's me. I also like my 38-year-old Porsche.