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Diesel Mk1 Rabbit, 4 door, 5 speed manual, smog exempt, 40-50 MPG!

Location: San Diego, California, United States
Condition: Used
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Rabbit
Type: Hatchback
Trim: Diesel C
Year: 1981
Mileage: 251276
VIN: 1VWGG917XBV017160
Color: White
Engine size: 1.6L Diesel I4
Number of cylinders: 4
Fuel: diesel
Drive type: FWD
Interior color: Tan
Drive side: Left-hand drive
Options: Cassette Player
Vehicle Title: Salvage

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel C Description

Amazing gas mileage on this little thing - 40 to 50 MPG! 5 manual gears. Very simple to work on. Also can run on biodiesel. Cute tiny little classic car. Drives great, I used it as my daily driver for many years. Starts up immediately in like 2 turns of starter. Glow plugs work. Smog exempt in California! :) I'm starting the bidding at $1560 because California would pay me $1500 to retire this car, and ebay takes 60 bucks off final price I think.
Car comes with a shop manual, spare tire, jack, tire iron, and a couple seat covers if you'd like them.Since taking these photos, I found the "Rabbit Diesel C" emblem and put it on the back of the car (it's missing in the photo).
Let's see, list of things wrong:Previous owner put an AC system in it, but it doesn't make the air colder. I was told that it just needed a freeon refill but I never bothered. I think that's probably true because when you turn the AC on you can tell it is pulling some amps, but the air doesn't seem to come out cooler.One of the vent controls is missing a knob. You can see the thing it slides into, but the knob itself is missing so you can't control it. If you can find the right part I think you can just slide it in, or maybe just make the right sized stick!Passenger side front door can only be opened from the inside (I'm sure this is an easy fix).
Hatchback door doesn't hold itself open. I just put a stick there when I want it to stay open, but you could get the replacement part for $30 I think.
Minor accident bent the front bumper, hood, and front right blinker cover. Due to the low bluebook value of this car at that time, the insurance company assessed the cost to fix the frame properly would be more than the value of the car, so this is a "salvage title." I've been driving it this way for several years and there are no issues from the accident as far as I can tell. The car does drift slightly to the right if you let go of the steering wheel, but it did that before the accident too. I figure driving with your hand on the wheel is a good thing. No wobble at freeway speeds.You could probably pull the bumper straight, I just didn't care much about looks.
The interior fabric is a bit worn out in places, you can see that in the photos. I've got some used seat covers you can take if you like. I took them off to take the pictures. You could probably clean it up to look a lot nicer, I don't think I ever really gave it a scrub and it came to me looking kinda like it is now. I've been parking it in a carport for the last 8 years and using a dash cover when I'm out and about, so sun damage isn't bad.Some rust in places but really not much for a car this old.
I'm fine with you coming by to look at it and drive it before you bid, just message me for the address. Also happy to talk over the phone or email if you have questions. I'll provide my number if you send me a private messsage.Hablo espanol.Preferred method of payment is Paypal or cash. If you want to do a cashier's check or money order I'd have to take it to my bank first to confirm it's real.

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