1988 Volkswagen Cabrio Cabriolet Coupe review from North America

I always had a problem with the clutch cable. I suppose Volkswagen had a faulty design there; the cable used to rip apart after time (months) when rubbing the metal sheet which divides the engine compartment with the inside of the car (My mechanic just fixed this by soldering a special metal piece).

A pain in the neck with the shifter because the bushings (I suppose), It has to be re-adjusted frequently because it's hard to engage the reverse and, as happened twice, when I can drive it on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear only, so parking it and using reverse is a nightmare (I have to engage the reverse by moving the links with my hands in the engine compartment).

The odometer stopped working when I reached the 110,000 miles.

The latches which secure the top when it's up, became noisy when driving the car on the road (I suppose this happens with all convertible cars after years of use).

I changed the top on my car and bought the cable that secures the bottom part with the Volks dealer and is too large (tried to adjust, but still a problem).

Cruise control didn't work when I bought it.

I don't like the trunk, just because it's too low and is uncomfortable.

It's a low maintenance car, and gives you a good average per mileage.

A very reliable daily-driving car after fixing all the glitches and problems mentioned before.

Last time I took it with the mechanic, he told me that the engine runs very smooth, even though it is an old model; and let me tell you: I really use that clutch.

I have changed a lot of things in it like: transmission, radiator, clutch, ball joints, top, etc. And the good thing is that you can get used parts from an auto salvage, because even Rabbits or GTs fit most of your type of car if a piece is needed.

I like the way it picks up. Maybe it's not a 16 valve engine but it's quite fast.

I'm a 6.0" single guy and don't have a problem in it, I fit very well.

It's fun to drive.