Classic 1988 Volkswagen Fox GL 2 door wagon, with upgraded brakes and 5 speed

  • Location: Bedford, Indiana, United States
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Volkswagen
  • Model: Fox
  • Type: Wagon
  • Trim: GL
  • Year: 1988
  • Mileage: 100000
  • VIN: 9BWCA0301JP060535
  • Color: Blue
  • Engine size: Fuel injected
  • Number of cylinders: 4
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Manual
  • Drive type: FWD
  • Interior color: Black/gray
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1988 Volkswagen Fox GL Description

Bought this as a father-son project, but because of distance (we’re 3 hours apart), time restraints, and lack of knowledge about Volkswagens, we’re letting it go.
What we know:
Odometer stopped working around 100k miles. There are burned traces on the circuit “board” (ribbon). The non-working fuel gage and odometer caused us to explore the dash issues.
Windshield wipers stay on. We pulled the steering wheel to access the dash, so pulling the wheel was easy. We think the contacts of the wiper control switch are dirty or bad.
We have driven the car. It didn’t smoke when we first got it started, but after changing oil and filter, it now smokes on start-up. We couldn’t let it run long because the electric fan doesn’t work, so it appeared that it might overheat.
Reverse does not work. I’m fairly certain it is the nylon(?) bushings at the shiftermounting points of the linkage.
We replaced the high-pressure fuel pump to get the car running; the in-tank pump works. Also replaced the fuel filter located near the accumulator and high pressure pump.
The car has a 5-speed (manual) transmission. To the best of our knowledge (limited research), Fox wagons came with 4-speeds, so we consider this an upgrade.
The car has 4-wheel disc brakes, also an upgrade from (what we think was) rear drums/front discs. We bled the brakes because the reservoir was empty when we got it, and brakes held, but it loses fluid over time. No spots underneath anywhere, tho, so seeping into booster? Just a guess.
The wheels are BBS aftermarket, the tires hold air but have weather checks.The interior is quite stale, but no major rips or tears. Same for the carpet. I believe there is either a tear or stains on the headliner.
Comes with 4 keys, owners manual, and Bentley VW Fox Service manual
There seems to be almost a cult following for these cars, and I personally find it unique and quirky, with an unmistakable “cool factor”.I really had looked forward to spending some quality time with my son as we worked to put this back on the road, but the miles between us, our inexperience with VW, and my recently-discovered vertigo (which prevents me from spending much time under a car) makes it necessary to pass it along to someone who also appreciates this Volkswagen Fox GL Wagon.
Thanks for looking, and Happy Bidding!