1996 Volkswagen Cabrio from North America - Comments

Convertible top appeared dirty, but this is an actual defect in the vinyl durability (VW partially reimbursing).

The plastic coolant crossover piece ("gooseneck") may be cracked, as it leaks coolant at a very very slow rate.

Leather seats starting to show age, sun damage & my lack of good caretaking.

Cruise control not working since bought.

Brakes needed replacing, when bought.

Welds holding exhaust pipe at driver side of muffler ("clamshell") broke, had it re-welded ($50)

Stock stereo in lock-out mode. Got code, and radio worked, but would scan unpredictably and not stop.

This early 1996 model has no glovebox.

There is more intrusion of air from the the back with the top down than you will get in a 2-seater, or even the old rabbit convertible.

I keep losing the keys ;)

This car was a great deal. Found it on EBAY, and paid less than 1/2 book value. I had enjoyed driving VW Rabbit Convertibles, and this is just a newer, safer version. The 1982 Rabbit Convertible was not looking too safe for another winter. This car has good heat (better on passenger side), good cold air conditioning, fully adjustable seats, good handling, parking, turn radius, and fuel efficiency.

I have a removable faceplate stereo now, very nice. Important in a convertible!

Plenty of headroom, especially with top down.

Real back seat makes this car more useful than most convertibles.

Trunk is actually quite roomy, seats can fold, too.

Fun!

I love it! Gotta get a windscreeen for long rides, though.

-chuck in RI.

I agree completely. My wife's 96 Cabrio has been a joy to own. Only at 120k miles has it given us any trouble. Trust me, your wallet will say ouch when you have to replace the oil pan, main and transmission seals and replace a clutch all at one time. Ours just inexplicably developed a pretty nasty oil leak, and rather quickly. Don't know why, but I wouldn't attribute that to any overall reliability statements about the Cabrio. I will say this, if you take it to a VW dealer for service you'll have a heart attack at the prices they want to gouge for repairs. Find a local VW shop instead.

We had the top replaced in 2004 and the original one started getting cracks. Aftermarket is fine and much cheaper than dealer. Like any convertible with a vinyl top if you dont' keep it clean and use the RIGHT cleaners it will give you trouble. But with the rear window being glass at least you won't have that fogged-up plastic nonsense to worry about.

When the convertible top is up it's a VERY quiet ride, nearly equal to a Golf hardtop. When it's down, yeah, wear a hat or get the optional factory windscreen that pulls up from behind the seats to the rollbar (we don't have this).

All in all, if you find a good deal on one of these used, with low miles, you can't go wrong. With higher miles you'd do well to avoid ever using the dealer for service or parts.