Volkswagon Rabbit (Diesel, 1981

[KaNGiX]

VX @ 13mpg / year - $12,688
@ 15mpg / year - $10764

Rabbit @ 45mpg / year - $4420
@ 50mpg / year - $3380

@ 4$ Gas / 5$ diesel x800 miles per week

Not sure if diesel price is right but its close. My big question is why isnt there more vehicles likes this made or being made? While im sure it lacks alot when all you need to do is carry a 28' ladder its a dream. Minus its terrible look & age.

"BTW My low mileage like new price was less than 3k
I would buy another VX and push it, before I would pay 8k for a made in the USA VW, that is pushing 30 years old "

How long ago did you sell yours? That was just the nicest looking one i found. Like you said 8k for 30 years old is kinda scary.

[johnnyapollo]

I had a rabbit for a while around 1982 - wasn't a bad car at all. Actually that light blue beast shown is so ugly I kinda like it.

-- John

[Bulldoggie]

"BTW My low mileage like new price was less than 3k
I would buy another VX and push it, before I would pay 8k for a made in the USA VW, that is pushing 30 years old "

How long ago did you sell yours? That was just the nicest looking one i found. Like you said 8k for 30 years old is kinda scary.

I sold it about 1991 for less than 2k.
A friend bought a 5 speed with a sunroof for less than 1300. about the same time. (ran good, no dents) A few months later, he ended up with two and couldn't get one to run! (fuel rail problems)
I'm not saying they are not good drivers, just not worth $$$$$
I upgraded to the Mazda Miata for a driver
Another common problem, was an occasional small leak from the windshield onto the glow plug relay. (door seals too tight, no place for air to escape)
No glow plugs=no starting. Have a spare handy, about $50. then.
Another relay to buy, the intermittent wiper relay. you removed a limit stop on the wiper switch to use this relay. (shows how "Spartan" they are made)
The Expansion joint in the exhaust (muffler size) get the braided version with the lifetime warranty.
These were basically gas engines converted to run diesel, I think the TDI's are a better engine, but I have not owned one.
Isuzu made a small diesel truck, called a "Pup". Probably more rare than a VX.