1984 Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews - Page 2 of 5

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1984 Volkswagen Rabbit L 1.7 FI from North America

Model year1984
Year of manufacture1984
First year of ownership2003
Most recent year of ownership2005
Engine and transmission 1.7 FI Automatic
Reliability marks 7 / 10
Comfort marks 8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.0 / 10
Distance when acquired67000 miles
Most recent distance110000 miles
Previous carVolkswagen Rabbit

Summary:

I love it! Very fun to drive!!!

Faults:

Replaced Alternator at 110,000

Replaced entire fuel system at 67,000

Replaced entire brake system at 67,000

New tires

Replaced entire cooling system at 67,000

New exhaust at 67,000

New battery.

General Comments:

I found this car in a barn at a buddys grandparents house. The car was "rust proofed" when it was first bought in 1984. I bought the car for $100.00. The car ran and drove nicely, but I replaced the major components since I was going to be using it as a daily driver. The car has performed great and hasn't let me down at all!! I'd buy 5 more if I could find them!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th December, 2005

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1984 Volkswagen Rabbit Wolfsburg Ed. Convertible 1.8 gas from North America

Model year1984
Year of manufacture1984
First year of ownership2005
Most recent year of ownership2005
Engine and transmission 1.8 gas Manual
Performance marks 5 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Dealer Service marks 10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 1 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.2 / 10
Distance when acquired9999998 miles
Most recent distance9999999 miles
Previous carPontiac Grand Am

Summary:

Basic fun

Faults:

No major problems have yet shown up with this car. The seats (all of them) have worn down to foam, ditto for the carpet, vinyl is separating from the dash, minor to moderate rust, and the top is worn out. In addition, the speedometer does not work, so I do not have a clue as to what the actual mileage is.

General Comments:

This is a fun car to drive, and it is great on gas. However, do not buy this car and expect a race car- 90hp does restrict your GO. If you can find one cheap, buy it- but don't intend on it being a daily driver.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd September, 2005

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10th Sep 2005, 11:01

You are right about the convertibles. Yes, a regular run of the mill Rabbit can be found anywhere for cheap. But when it comes to finding a good Cabriolet, you can expect to pay big bucks.

If you are considering buying a Rabbit consider how small and gutless the car is. I went from a Grand Am with double the horse power (and interior space) to a Rabbit, and it has been a difficult adjustment. After I sell this car I doubt I will ever buy another compact.

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1st May 2006, 18:16

UPDATE TO ORIGINAL POST

In the year that I have now owned her, she has given me little grief.

She ran great in the winter, up until we had a large snowfall and the shift linkages locked up with ice. But that is to be expected in a low car!

More recently she would stutter, stall, and backfire. Dealer (wrongly) replaced the fuel pump relay. A few days later I replaced the rotor and distributor cap- problem solved!

Nice car! Go out and pick one up!

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17th Jun 2006, 17:51

I have since discovered the problem with the speedometer- since it is an American model, it has an oxygen sensor light that is activated every 60,00 miles from a counter box that is in line with the speedometer. The threads of the counter box were somehow stripped, and the cable from the transmission no longer fit right, accounting for sporadic readings. I went to the dealer and purchased a new speedometer cable (Canadian model) and replaced the gauge pod as well with the Canadian style. I have not yet had any issues and regret not fixing it sooner!

The top has quickly disintegrated, and no longer holds out water, but the car is over 20 years old, so I have no issues with that at all!

Truly over-engineered!

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1984 Volkswagen Rabbit Wolfburg Eddition 1.8 Gasoline from North America

Model year1984
Year of manufacture1984
First year of ownership2005
Most recent year of ownership2005
Engine and transmission 1.8 Gasoline Manual
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 0 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
7.3 / 10
Distance when acquired170250 miles
Most recent distance170300 miles
Previous carPontiac Grand Am

Summary:

Quick, Cheap, and Fun!

Faults:

When I purchased the car it had the following problems:

-top had several holes

-front seats worn out, rear seat covered with a bed sheet

-after market CD would turn on, but not play

-minor rust on the driver's rear quarter panel

-speedometer not accurate/violently vibrates

-int. rattles LOTS

Most of this can be attributed back to the age of the car, as well as the fact that most of the equipment that has broken is after market.

General Comments:

Although I cannot say much about this car (I have not yet owned it for a week) I can say that it is a pleasure to drive, and the 5 speed is EXTREMELY forgiving!

The steering, suspension, brakes, and clutch are all impeccable. I had my mechanic check the car out prior to purchase, and he advised it was in prime condition.

I would so for recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for cheap/fun transport.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th July, 2005

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Average review marks: 7.2 / 10, based on 14 reviews