1985 Volkswagen Cabrio review from North America

The roof leaks in three spots.

The fuel filter leaked and needed to be replaced.

I have only had this car for a few weeks and I'm already in love. Its last owner took extremely good care of it, and so there's really nothing wrong with it.

The steering is a bit stiff due to the lack of power steering and tiny tires, and it's not as quiet as a hard top, but when the sun comes out, it's all worth it!

There's nothing to complain about when it comes to the engine. The one in mine is from a 92 (the original started to burn oil, so the last owner had it replaced). Volkswagen always knows what they're doing when it comes to engineering. It picks up quick (like a bunny!), even from a bog. It's easy to work on. The suspension is good and stiff (I'm baffled at why people would put aftermarket stuff in to make it stiffer!), the seats are comfy, the car in itself just has an overall "fun" feel to it. The circle headlights and old school steel bumpers can turn heads, even if the car is bone stock.

With the top down, there's hardly any wind in the front. However the major disadvantage to having one of these cars is music. With it's tiny little speakers it's hard to push good quality music, especially with the top down, and there's really nowhere to fit any aftermarket speakers. I was almost heartbroken when I had to give up my two 6x9"'s and my two 6.5"s. I did manage to fit two 10" sub woofers in the trunk for at least some bass, but the box takes up so much room, I have less than half my original trunk space; another disadvantage to these cars.

For a convertible, they have a pretty fair amount of trunk space, but it still isn't a whole lot.

All in all, I would have to say these cars are best for someone who just likes to cruise around with friends or only needs to get from A to B.

Anyone who's ever driven a VW will understand me when I say that there is no going back. This is a 23 year old car that still has years to live! And I don't just mean that it's a beater with some rust and an exhaust leak but hey it runs, I mean this is a good quality, tough built car that will last forever.