1981 Volkswagen Rabbit

Hatchback

Manual

1VWGG9174BV133096

Clear

Diesel

I couldn't figure out how to make this info appear in the details field, but it's the 1.6L diesel w/ 4-speed manual trans. I bought this rabbit off ebay about two years ago. At that time, I had four new tires, 4-wheel alignment, ball joints replaced, new alternator, oil/oil filter and fuel filter. It has been a faithful commuter for my 90 mile, six day a week job. I have since spent NO money fixing anything and it has many problems. This car starts even on 0' mornings and drives like the well made German car that it is. I would say that the car can be driven as is (because I have been) but it isn't legal. There is a fuel leak at the cold start valve on the injector pump which has no effect on the operation of the engine, but hurts the mileage a bit and makes a spot of diesel wherever it's parked. It still gets over 40 mpg with the leak and I got over 50 mpg by catching the fuel in a bottle, filtering it and ruturning it to the tank. The rear brakes are plugged at the master cylinder, so there are only front brakes when driving. The tail lights need replaced. They sort of work, but the bulbs have melted through the assemblies. The fuel cap is missing, I have plugged the hole with a balled-up plastic bag. The pictures are misleading as to the condition. I tried to get an all around look of it, but the camera actually made it look nicer than it is. The paint is a sort of flaky silver spray paint and there are dents and rust everywhere. The interior is disgusting. The headliner is ripped out, everything is dirty and the windows don't keep all the rain out so it smells. The windshield wipers work but the wash doesn't. There are no low-beam headlights, so I just pointed the high-beams down a bit to use them all the time. To put it easier, The engine is in great condition, dry, all original, no smoke, no oil usage, no unusual diesel noise, no taped together garbage. The transmission works well enough and all the suspension parts work. If your a single guy with simple taste, or want this car for an engine swap then this is your chance to get it cheap. I will try to get a video of it starting and driving on youtube if anyone asks about it. I am looking to get somewhere around $400 for the car. I will drive it to the winning bidder for a small fee if you wish. I'm not trying to make it sound bad, I'm just trying to be honest because the guy I bought it from clearly wasn't. It does start, run, and drive good and that was all I needed. I got a new job close to home and don't need the extra car/insurance payment anymore.