Heater vacuum lines not connected properly when new.
A/C drain frequently clogged, therefor water drained inside vehicle.
Heat shield rattled from day one.
The 1982 Rabbit Convertible was my third VW, but my very first new VW.
I ordered the vehicle in October '81 and the vehicle was delivered to me in February '82.
The convertible was Mars red with a black top and red and black sports seats. I also odered the car with alloy wheels and air conditioning.
My little rag top was a blast to drive.
It handled so well and always got 30+ mpg.
The only drawback was with only 74hp on tap, it was not very quick.
In '82 power steering was not yet an option so parking could be a chore too.
Other than normal wear & tear items, in the five years and 50K miles, I never had to replace anything on the car.
I must say that I'm not surprised this model lasted from 1980 thru 1993. As I
believe the Rabbit Convertible/Cabriolet
will become a collectible classic in the years to come. It was and is a very good design and was a worthy successor to the Beetle convertible.
I had owned three other Cabriolets since my first in 1982.
I owned a 1985, 1987 and currently own a 1993 Cabriolet Classic.
The 1993 is probably the best I have owned since my 1982 model. I appreciate the power steering as well as the leather interior of my Cabriolet Classic
as well as the increased power of the 1.8 liter engine.
As fewer and fewer VW Cabriolets remain on the road I hope that those who own them make an effort to keep them in top condition, and preserve this classic vehicle.
I own a 1982 with several thousand miles. Wish mine had been new when I got it. I'm having problems, but I am getting through them. All in time, and you are so right, it will be equally as collectible as any other VW aircooled out there. I hope to get her back to her original specs, or at least close. Inexpensive way to travel, and lots of fun.
I own a 1985 VW cabriolet. Dealing with nagging oil pan leaks, trying to get it resoved for more than a few months. BUT WOW! I love this car. Fast, energetic, comfortable, and just fun to own. Neighbors look forward to it's annual coming out every spring, from storage. My wife and I have 2001 & 2004 Passat GLX wagons also. Love them, especially the ESP. What a groundbreaking safety enhancement.
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