1983 Volkswagen Rabbit

LS Hatchback

1.6L 4 Cylinder Diesel Fuel

Automatic

1vwgh9174dv026551

Diesel

Story: I really like this car and I never intended to sell it, so it is in a complicated state of restoration at the moment... so feel free to ask questions... it is in the middle of a restoration that I no longer have the resources to complete (my new baby sucked that up). It has been my twice a week commuter car, so it's mostly highway miles since I've owned it. New stuff: Since '06 when I purchased the car at about 140,000 miles (now has 168,007), I have upgraded the AC to r134, professional rebuilt transmission, replaced alternator, new battery in 2011, replaced steering rack, two tires, steering pump, complete exhaust replacement, replaced starter, tie rod ends, drive shaft, numerous brake parts, compression test in '09 was good, glow plugs, it has a block heater that works great in winter, it has had regular oil changes, custom built radiator, new lock sets on front doors (ignition and trunk locks not yet installed). The car runs great and is really solid. It starts great but you absolutely have to go through the choke/8 second glow plug/then startup routine (the auto transmission on this car puts too much strain on the starter. You can't just turn the key and go... for those of you who don't know this car, it has a choke on the dash that you pull, and then you have to push a glow plug button that heats up the fuel chambers, and then you turn the ignition (it starts right up if you do the routine, if you skip this process it will not start well and kills the starter). FLAWS: This is a 28 year old car... the flaws are too numerous to list, but I'll do my best.numerous body damage and flaws, too numerous to photograph... currently it has a black primer coat on most of the car... numerous unfinished amateur body work, tapering, that needs to be completed, rust, dents. The under carraige has rust and dents, especially from unscrupulous mechanics who jack the car up in the wrong locations... It has a leaky oil pan seal and other seals leak too... the alternator fan is a little loose and rattles (doesn't seem to affect functionality)It has silicone around the wind shield because I thought it was leaking, but it wasn't. The leak is under the hood.It needs a new head liner.The interior is in pretty good shape but the carpet is stained and the driver seat is worn... one of the sun flaps is missing (I have new ones in the wrong interior color).shoulder strap only.There is a water leak when it rains in the passenger side (I think I know the source), and the trunk (mystery leak).The passenger side vent control lever is broke.The driver side front bumper end cap broke off. I have the cool plastic wheel fender covers (not installed). It passed PA inspection in nov. 2010. If you can't see it in person, I can't help you with additional body work photos... I really recommend seeing it in person for the body work issues if that is a big concern. I can assure you it is restorable. This is a standard diesel and not a turbo, even though the trunk label says differently.the original radio works and the tape player works if you clean the heads regularly... somebody tried to steal one of the speakers in the trunk and broke it off its mount... but didn't take it. Trunk does not lock, but I do have an uninstalled lockset for it. It has good fuel economy. This is also an automatic transmission, which is unique for this model car. Do not buy this car unless you are prepared for old car surprises (I actually enjoy old car problems). Do not buy this car unless you are prepared to do or have the body work done (it is restorable). Don't make this your primary car. It was my hobby car. I suspect I am missing details in my description, but I've done my best to say everything... It is the buyers responsibility to look at the car themselves, or else you need to cut me some slack if I did not describe something in this listing. The problems are mostly cosmetic, as I've had practically all the mechanical flaws I know about fixed.