1982 Volkswagen Rabbit D review from North America
"Most efficient and durable car you will ever buy"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Every part has worn out at some point or other in the life of this vehicle.
-Timing belts must be changed religiously at 100,000 km.
-The front bearings go every 200,00-250,00 km
-I rebuilt the engine after 550,000 km
(I now have a spare which has already been rebuilt for the next time)
-Still working on the original transmission
-Clutch went at 380,000 km and 900,000 km
-usual wear items: batteries, brakes, exhaust, struts, etc
-I have always bought lifetime parts, so most replacements come free.
General comments?
-This is the most durable and reliable car I have ever owned.
-I am well over 6 foot, and this is one of the only compacts I can drive.
-It has very few options, but has very nice seats and a very good driving position.
-It is slow, having 50 horsepower, but still gets 55 mpg.
-Older Volkswagen diesels must be plugged in below -10 degrees or they will not start.
-parts are inexpensive, especially tires, brakes, and aftermarket stuff.
-the car is the easiest to service I have ever owned.
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| Your best friend on four wheels |
|
| A machine pure at soul |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1982 |
| First year of ownership | 1988 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 4 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 75000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 1338000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volvo 740 |
| Date of Entry | 1st October, 2002 |