MK1 reliability?

[josh_did_what]

Hey, Im brand new to VWs, so i just had a quick question.
Im 16, and Im trying to convince my parents to let me get a mk1 rabbit for 2 grand or under at the end of the summer. Ill be taking some auto classes in school next year, but I havent yet, so reliability is a concern with a car that old. I see a lot of mk1s under 100k on craigslist, and assuming theyre in working order, can i expect it to stay that way? Or will it break a lot. Thanks.

PS I was at the NY auto show today, saw the MKvi GTI, pure sex. I couldnt even get a picture, it was the most crowded car at the show.

[lizard]

2g's i got one i will sell.good luck getting any replys from these guys.what a waste of time. this forum sucks a bag full of dicks. if you want a good car dont buy a vw.i haven't been able to find parts.the ones i find are high$$$$.sucks because the vw i have has a perfect body.motor has its mouth in the bag mentioned above.

[josh_did_what]

Im not ready to buy just yet, sorry. All right this forum seems a little slow, I guess Ill make my way over to Vortex

[BadBunny]

Hey,

I have one a 1981 convertible I am slowly restoring. I bought one for my son a few years ago. He ran it till the fuel Injection pump died and he moved to NY to go to school.

They are a little tricky. Stay away from the early units. They were neat looking, but they are loaded with wiring nightmares. Not to mention other flaws, that just aren't worth fixing. Once you get into the 80's they are a bit better. Although the fuse panels and a lot of the wiring is still poorly designed and usually require work once in a while.

We have a friend that has an 82 Sirocco, and loves it. But he has had to replace the fuse panel, replace the wiring harness under the hood, and replace most of the light sockets on the exterior.

I have had to replace most of the light sockets on my Vert as well. My fuse panel is all rusted up and causing troubles and is coming out this weekend.

All in all if you are mechanically inclined, like to work on cars, and buy a Bentleys manual, and have some tools, your ready for your first Rabbit. If you pay 2K you should be getting a fully restored car that has most of the aforementioned issues fixed. Most of the time you can get a descent Rabbit mid 80's for around $1500.00 that is is in very good condition.

As for reliable, even with all the wiring issues I have, my son had, and our friend had, all three cars always started and ran, and got us to were we needed to go, every time.

I think they are great little cars, I'd rather have a Rabbit than an MG any day!

Good luck!

[#89]

josh; All,

Understand that most Mk1s are vintage, meaning 25+ years old. That there are a good number still up and running says 2 things. Firstly, they were originally well built. Secondly that there are many enthusiasts that take the time (and $) to keep them up and running.

Again, understand that the cars in question are a quarter century old. While this means lighter, more unique, and simpler engineering... it also means a bit less on safety (airbags, side impact, etc.), more parts search homework, and higher wear and tear on all components. Louder cabin noise, funny smells , creaks, and thumps will be expected. Depending on your viewpoint this adds to the enjoyment/adventure OR headaches/frustration. From a learning perspective - older vehicles will provide a great learning curve as far as being straightforward to work on (less dealer specialized tools and procedures).

Not scared away yet? Good. Get ready for an exciting 'love-hate' relationship. In purchasing any vintage car, first and foremost look for RUST. It is only the vehicle's metal attempting to return to the earth, but will be more nightmarish to fix than most any mechanical issue.

Have fun,
#89

[80_hare]

i personally have an 80 model rabbit and it had been setting for 5 years with stale gas. so i bought it pulled it to my house tried the key and it fired up. I was impressed. I then went through and drained the tank checked the plugs which were still the originals(which impressed me even more) but i changed those and the wires and oil and she runs as good as a 2000 model. The biggest thing is to check on the parts on the motor if you go that old and make sure it's all western germany cause the eastern had issues. it was the berlin wall days and east germany just wanted something in the market from their side. These are amazing cars and hardly even die. To be honest the car may just outlive you.