found an 84 diesel rabbit for <1000 but has over 400kms on it.

person i talked to about this says it still runs and that its worth the price.

looking for opinions about said purchase before making finalizations. is there anything i can do to prolong its drive? changing out the engine (though im most certain it will be costly or impossible to find another one for cheap)

thanks

All I can say is....."where there's a will, there's a way."

It's not old, it's just pre-loved...

looking for an honest opinion here, I'm not sure whats up with these sarcastic posts.

looking for an honest opinion here, I'm not sure whats up with these sarcastic posts.

they're not being sarcastic... they're just saying that vw's don't get old, they just get "pre-loved" and that you can do it given the time and effort.

It's a very reasonable car to restore... among restoration projects, an old rabbit/gti is not a bad one to pick. You'll have fun doing it and in the end, if you sold, you might make some money off it.

Don't go into it thinking of it as an investment... do it for fun.

well you seem to have given me more of the straight-up answer i was looking for.

and to correct myself, i didn't mean an investment for monetary gain, i just don't have deep enough pockets lest something goes wrong in the short run.

But i'll take your thoughts into consideration. thanks! and from reading up on all these forums, i want to have just as much fun as the people who've decided to do this too :)

well you seem to have given me more of the straight-up answer i was looking for.

and to correct myself, i didn't mean an investment for monetary gain, i just don't have deep enough pockets lest something goes wrong in the short run.

But i'll take your thoughts into consideration. thanks! and from reading up on all these forums, i want to have just as much fun as the people who've decided to do this too :)

if it's your first one, or you are not automotively inclined, start off with a running one. between here and the vwvortex forums, people will be able to help you out with just about any issue you come across.

thanks, mate!

ya man...we weren't trying to be dicks or anything...

there are probably more resources for VW modification and repair than anything else in the world....if you want it done or want to DIY, someone has probably done it or knows how. hence, where there's a will, there's a way.

Totally support your decision...ever read "The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance?" I would be of the Harley Rider as opposed to his friend the Bimmer biker...if you get my drift. And so long as you have the gumption and a Bentley Manual...there's nothing funner IMO to do on a weekend afternoon, other than going to a race.

My advice would be to have at least $300 on hand at all times. Mk1's can run and run great but be prepared.

It was "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Pirsig. A classic 70's look at life. Great book.

Oh yes, to the new owner of an old Rabbit and as the current owner of a 1984 Rabbit Convertible, and former owner of 75 Scirroco, 76 Rabbit and 80 Rabbit I would say go find the book of Rabbit Repair by John Muir. I think it was the precursor to the "Dummie" type books. It was a delightful hand illustrated "how to fix it" book. I am certain it is no longer in print. But If I could find one I would snatch it up. Other than that, get the Bently manual. and join AAA for the towing benefit.

http://www.amazon.com/How-keep-your-Volkswagen-alive/dp/0912528176

I lived by this book with my first few Rabbits. It really helped me with the Fuel Distro-block and more

JAy

i asked a co-worker of mine what his opinions are about VWs and he adamantly believes that vw's are not very well engineered because of extensive wiring under the hood, useless bolts/studs that don't really help it and that (being a previous mechanic for 10+years) most of his jobs involved vw's consistently coming in..

i don't want to have this deter me from getting a rabbit, but it was just something that kinda struck me

http://www.amazon.com/How-keep-your-Volkswagen-alive/dp/0912528176

I lived by this book with my first few Rabbits. It really helped me with the Fuel Distro-block and more

JAy

added to amazon wishlist for when i can get an old rabbit of my own :-D

Thanks JAy! I ordered the book. I wonder what happened to my original. Maybe this is it.