now with a picture - advice buying a 84 rabbit cabriolet

[codycat]

OK everyone - i typically peruse the VW Beetle forum [I own a 67 sedan] - but I am here to ask questions regarding a 84 Rabbit cabriolet [1.8 liter] I found for sale down the street. It was purchased at an auction and the owner bought it for his daughter-who did not like it and decided upon a Mustang convert instead - with that said - he is asking $1500 for it. Body is in pretty good condition - no rust found - looks OG paint [silver] Any and all advise is needed here - tho i owned a Rabbit hardtop many years ago and it ran like a champ. I have not driven the car yet. what should I look for - what would you offer, etc.??

[stevethefolkie]

My son had one of those - we replaced the top (around 400 bucks installed, if memory serves, it's been a few years) and installed Scirocco seats (at 6'2" tall he didn't fit really well with the top up using the stock seats) - he put euro bumpers on it (and then got hit) - anyhow -

Check that no one has messed with the fuel injection - a lot of people THINK the know how to "tune" CIS injection - 90% of them are wrong - disabling the O2 sensor messing with the mixture (done by the previous owner) cost me a lot of diagnostic and fixing time on his car -

There really are no weak points - I mean check carefully for rust - check the condition of the top - and if the top is weak (cracked or just 23 years old) it could be a good bargaining point.

Check the brakes and such - the cooling system - all the normal stuff - if you get it a new fuel filter wouldn't be a bad idea (people tend to forget about them until they clog) - parts are cheap ( a nice part of ownership) - at least compared to newer VW's.

I believe he paid 1200 for his a few years back but it needed work - it was a really nice little car - lots of fun to drive -

Given that it's convertible season I wouldn't expect the seller to negotiate on price very much - just the nature of things -

Enjoy

Steve

[codycat]

took a little closer look today....only rust I could find is located at left lower portion of front wind shield about the size of a half dollar - rusted through-sure it leaks but don't know where water goes from there. between yesterday and today the driver door has been shifted forward about a half inch and now door does not close properly also tiny bend in fender where door edge meets it - can slam door and it will shut 0 also cracked paint. is not OG paint. Prior owner [prior to auction sale] put wrong size battery in it and current owner bought a batttery [but says he is 'charging it] before he puts it in - no doubt a used battery from somewhere. Have not been able to drive yet or crank due to battery....

Also-top appears to be in fair shape - car is missing a few odds and ends - trim on each side of car is missing-passenger side outer door handle is missing-little things like that - that add up. Also-CAR SMELLS. would HAVE to replace carpet at minimal to help control order - smells like 'jerry curl'. Don't know yet about AC, etc.

[ms]

You said 1984 right ? That would be a rabbit convertable one year before the cabby name.I have one myself that I am restoring after sitting for seven years. A fun car but I am sure there will be some work ahead of you.I say keep the original rabbits going