Possible 1979 diesel Rabbit purchase...

[Duende]

Hey guys, after a couple days of searching for other diesel Rabbit owners, I hope I'm finally here.

So, I found a four door 5-speed diesel Rabbit. It is cheap and looks pretty clapped out and is described as neglected. Owner says there is some surface rust, but the mileage is at 98k. Sounds like the interior is all f'd up as well. He says it runs and drives but has been sitting in storage. Also, somewhere I've recently read that the mileage will only read up to 100k, and then it will roll over? So this car could have 198k, or 298k... Is that true?

Should I jump on it or no? I need something I can commute in, 100 miles per day reliably, in about 6mos. I can't afford a ton of money for a project, but I can afford a couple/few hundred a month, and $500 over the cost of purchasing the vehicle.

As you can see, I'm new around here. I really wanted a four door diesel, but I can't be too much of a chooser at this price range... I don't really know anything at all about Rabbits or that model year drivetrain. I'm going to start searching around on here and hunting up what info I can about this kind've car, if anyone can give me information on the type of engine it has, the car 'model number' like if it's a Golf, or A1, or R2D2... Haha, that sort've thing. Are parts impossible to find? Seems like rust-free panels should be able to be found to fix any rust issues, or am I totally off my rocker? Just curious what the aftermarket is like for these...

I think it's a 1.5L engine according to a gent on TDIclub, so I'll start reading up on that as well...

Anyway, any help is so appreciated. I'm not sure under what conditions I should just "walk away" on something like this, I'm a Mustang guy. Really wanting to get into a diesel though, but I promised my wife no more than 2k. This is $900. Maybe I should just take a bunch of pictures and post them up here, ask your opinion, I know pics would probably help. I have three but am not sure if I am able to, or am posting them right. I will attempt...if they're not here, sorry.

Thanks for any help, sorry for the disorganized post... It's late for me.

EDIT: Yeah, no, I don't know how to post pics on here.[/img]

[jtanguay]

pics will help!

the motor is also due for at timing belt change...  even doing it yourself will run you easily $100.  new tensioner and waterpump and belt.  apparently you can re-use the crank bolts out of those engines.  be prepared to get the timing tools as well.  they run about $75.  it isn't easy finding parts for the 1.5L engine, so if you can find a 1.6 from a rabbit, it should be drop in.  they are more reliable too   although many say that the 1.5 is just fine in stock form.  (the 1.6 responds better to mods and power increase)

the fuel savings vs a mustang should make the car pay for itself in about a year if you're driving 100 miles a day... or even sooner??? i forgot how much a mustang drinks...

[burn_your_money]

From what you are describing it sounds like it's been molested. 79 diesels should have had a 4 speed (I think). You are paying more then what the typical mk1 diesel is worth because it is most likely German built. That's a good thing. If it has square headlights it's made in the states.

Where are you located?

Timing belt and tensioner need to be done unless you have proof they were done recently. Waterpump is optional, but while you're in there.

You probably have the welded steel alt brakcet, which is prone to cracking and giving you problems down the road. Invest in a 1.6 mk1 NA bracket if you do get it. Should cost free to $50, $35 being the norm. (last I checked)

If it's been sitting expect a lot to go wrong as you drive it. My car sat for 5 years and since I've been driving it (the last 6 months) I've replaced just about everything under the body, and everything under the hood is due, past due or almost due

[Duende]

Let's see if this works... Thanks so much for all the info guys. I'm a little discouraged at finding out it has the 1.5L which can be a little difficult and hard to find parts for. But if I could just get this thing "dependable," it would be so great on my commute...

[79rabbit4dr]

i'll take that grill if you get it  

can you get pix of the motor? interior?

have YOU driven it yet or heard it run?

[Duende]

Thanks, I have not driven it, nor even personally seen it. It is 100 miles away so I'm trying to get down there today or tomorrow. I will certainly take a bunch of pics if you guys could offer some expert advice on what exactly I'm looking at.

He says it runs and drives, but also said it sat in storage for a while...so I don't know. He says 98k, but I'm not sure how accurate the odometers actually are...

[jtanguay]

i would try to low ball for sure... was it stored in a dry place? how humid is the weather there? if really humid, expect to pay a lot in repairs...

[tSoG-84bit]

I just got a 79 four door diesel with good body for cheap, I'm ashamed to say how cheap, but cheaper than yours. cut his asking price in half, and unless it starts, runs, drives and stops whenever you want, it ain't worth much more than that, in my opinion of course.