1982 Volkswagen Rabbit L review from North America
"Great do-it-yourself kinda car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Well, my gal and I have an '82 and an '83 Rabbit L.
First the '82 (manual transmission) :
- fuel pump started leaking so I replaced it with a used one that seems to be doing the trick fine.
- wiper motor died, replaced it with a used one that works.
- squeely belt when I start the car in the rain...
- seems to have a rough time starting right now, gotta give it lots of gas to start it, and it's summertime...
- so far it's been a great car, nothing catastrophic has happened in the 16,000 kms I've owned it.
Now the'83 (automatic) :
- has a hot start problem... either heat soak in the starter or a vapor lock in the fuel line... either way it's because of the close proximity of the starter and fuel lines to the manifold...I'm gonna rewire the starter to give it some more juice...
- trans-axle pan leak, possibly caused by a previous owner hitting a rock or bottoming out.. have to use silicone gasket instead or the formed rubber kind.
General comments?
Great cars. bought them for $300 canadian each.
Cheap on gas, easy to work on, parts are abundant at the local junkyard.
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| Your best friend on four wheels |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1982 |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 2006 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.7 Gas Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 170000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 186000 miles |
| Previous car | Daihatsu Charade |
| Date of Entry | 30th July, 2007 |