Moderators BarManBean Posted March 22, 2012 Moderators Share Posted March 22, 2012 I’m thinking about buying an old (as in 198X) VW rabbit for my regular commute. Gas prices suck and commuting in a similar car would likely lower my insurance. Anyone know much about these cars? I’m interested in a diesel, and don’t much care if it’s a 2dr, 4dr, or pickup, but would prefer a pickup over a 4dr and a 4dr over a 2dr if I’m being honest. With a 25+ year old vehicle though, I’d be more interested in the right one than the right body style. I know that rust is probably the biggest enemy here, and other than that it’s likely that most things could be fixed on an as needed basis. This would be a second car, so I would always be able to drive the LGT if needed. Just looking for some input on this. Am I totally crazy for wanting one of these cars? Is it going to become a money pit of repairs or will I be able to spend some weekend hours here and there to keep it running / slowly restore it? "Bullet-proof" your OEM TMIC! <<Buy your kit here>> Not currently in stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolksey85 Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 A friend and former customer of mine had one (pickup) that had a late 80's TDi in it. It was a neat little ride, especially after the straight pipe and bright orange paint. It sounded like a mini Kenworth when he pulled away from a stop. I'd rock one done up like that since the turbo will at least get you some get up and go but that's venturing into custom work because, AFAIK, they never came turbo diesel. Just N/A. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators BarManBean Posted March 22, 2012 Author Moderators Share Posted March 22, 2012 Yeah, the whole point of me picking one up would be for the mileage. I'd want to keep it running like a top and getting me 50mpg. Other than that I'd only replace parts as needed and work on rust/wear spots when I had the time. The 60hp I would just have to deal with "Bullet-proof" your OEM TMIC! <<Buy your kit here>> Not currently in stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mega Users paintpollz Posted March 22, 2012 Mega Users Share Posted March 22, 2012 The 60hp I would just have to deal with do you drive on the highway at all? "Remember Danny - Two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodan Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 My 'Bro-in-law had a Dasher diesel back in the 80's, might even have been a late 70's car... too long ago. I do remember he used to joke about the 0-60 being timed with a sundial... It was slow to the point of being dangerous in traffic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators BarManBean Posted March 23, 2012 Author Moderators Share Posted March 23, 2012 do you drive on the highway at all? I do have to go on the highway, yes. I would only use it for my regular commute though, which is all easy-to-merge areas and stop-and-go traffic. I really don't think it would be too much of a problem. "Bullet-proof" your OEM TMIC! <<Buy your kit here>> Not currently in stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sactojesse Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 The 60hp I would just have to deal with The original 1.6l inline-4 diesels in the first generation Rabbit and pickups (Caddy in other markets) only made around 48 SAE net hp in U.S. specification. They were gutless, even for a 2,000 lb. car. To make matters worse, in the early 1980s VW even stuffed the 1.6l diesel in a 3,500 pound Vanagon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehsnils Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 If you have one you will just have to live in a world where overtaking is restricted to farm vehicles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mega Users paintpollz Posted March 24, 2012 Mega Users Share Posted March 24, 2012 I do have to go on the highway, yes. I would only use it for my regular commute though, which is all easy-to-merge areas and stop-and-go traffic. I really don't think it would be too much of a problem. im not sure those go over 65mph "Remember Danny - Two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mega Users paintpollz Posted March 24, 2012 Mega Users Share Posted March 24, 2012 like flat out "Remember Danny - Two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehsnils Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 On the other hand - you can have a great little project turbocharging the beast! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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