Used VW Rabbit
Used VW Rabbit questions and answers
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Q: I am interested in buying a 1984 VW Rabbit Gti?
There's a VW 1984 Rabbit GTI at a used car joint down the road with only 69xxx miles on it. The interior looks in pretty good shape. I did not get a good look at the price. Only one emblem on the back is missing. Is it a good buy? Are '84 GTI's easy to fix if something happens to it?
A: Oh man JUMP on it, that was my first car! I have had 3 GTI's they are little pocket rockets! Just make sure the clutch cable (very common in VWs) and the motor mounts are good.
Let us know if you get it!!
I currently have the 2003 VW GTI 20th Anniversary Edtion only 4000 in the US.
Q: Is it Possible to push the front seats of a 1982 VW RABBIT GTI back farther then they come company made?
see my grandpa might sell me a used 1982 VW RABBIT GTI at a great price but the seat is two small for my 6 ft frame so im wondering if its possible and cost effective to move it back?
A: What a crock, I am 6'2" and never had a problem with an A1 seat for leg length.
There is a way to lower the rear of the bottom of the seat. This alleviates any fitment issues and is great on the lower back.
Get in the car and find out what you got, before trying to cut it up
Old Guy, 92 GTI16V 2.0L
Q: VW Rabbit using too much gas?
So ok u know how the volswagens have the screen where it says how many miles i can pass...
today i filled it up to 100 miles, i relized something was wrong, i reset the trip and i passed 4 miles and it went down to 90 miles wtf x.x
The car is an '08
A: The gas tank estimator reads you foot movement on the gas pedal.
When you accelerate, it can go down 10-20 miles.
If you keep your foot on the pedal evenly keeping a steady speed, then the mileage estimator will be more accurate. It This way, it will go down 1 miles every 30 seconds-1 minute.
The mileage estimator works best on the highway because you keep a steady speed.
If you are in stop and go traffic, it reads how much you use the gas at that moment and keeps calculating.
Same happens with all cars that have the mileage estimator.
Q: How can I improve and stiffen up the handling of my 08 vw rabbit?
It has electromechanical steering that is computer controlled, you can use a vag com computer to increase the feedback in the steering only on vws earlier than 07, so that's not an option.
A: You could get coilovers. They don't give the best ride but they're very stiff. You could also look into wider tires. The wider your car is, the less it'll roll when going around a turn.
Sway bars don't do much and really aren't worth the cost.
Q: Need opinions on Rav4 vs Honda CRV vs VW Rabbit -?
I'm shopping for a NEW vehicle - I want to stay close to $22k (originally wanted under $18k) - I've thought about the Rabbit as used Jetta wagons I've test driven feel very sporty yet well built, tight.
I test drove a Rav4 today and it feels pretty good too. I also like the Matrix as it's more car-like than the CRV or Rav4. But I'd have to somehow special order side curtain airbags on the Matrix.
I looked at the CRV but it's a bit more pricey. I have and am keeping a '95 Civic that we like as a 3rd car. But it's low on features and needs some work.
With some of these the features I would like, it puts the vehicle up into the higher price range, but I don't want the leather interior that some of those have. I have plenty of time to wait for the dealer to find me the exact vehicle I want.
I haven't seen many Rabbits out there, and have heard that some VW models are a bit expensive to maintain.
My husband has a Prius - we love that car & service we get at the dealer.
Thanks folks, but I've owned several American cars and have had better luck with my Honda and previous Japanese cars. My Dodge Colt (Japanese imported by Dodge), and my Honda, both lasted well over 100,000 miles and my Chevy & Ford, and my Mom's Buick did not or will not likely last that long.
So, I am looking for input on the Toyota Rav4, the Honda CRV or the VW Rabbit. Thanks anyway.
A: For all you people that think vw is a great brand, what do you have to say about this?
Least reliable small car 2006: VW jetta
http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/autos/reliable/index.html
Least reliable cars 2005: VW Jetta, VW passat, VW touarge
http://www.reflector.com/money/content/shared/money/stories/clark/0406/041111cars.html
Least reliable cars 2004: VW jetta, VW beetle, VW GOLF
http://money.cnn.com/2004/11/08/pf/autos/cr_auto_reliability/
Least reliable Luxury vehicle 2006: VW Touarge
http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/vehicles/2006/07/28/luxury-cars-breakdowns_cx_dl_0731reliable.html
Least reliable luxury vehicle 2005: VW Touarge
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/cr_car_reliability.html
Least reliable cars 2003: VW Cabrio, VW touarge, VW jetta, VW passat
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pricing/best-worst-in-car-reliability-1005/most-least-reliable-used-cars/0704_most-least-reliable-used-cars.htm
It keeps going and going and going.
I dont even want to get in on the 'quality' of vw parts. They have continuously scored 2 out of 5 on quality for a dozen years by nearly every consumer group!
VWs are JUNK. Dont even consider THINKING about buying one. Browse the horror stories the day after vw owners pass 60,000 miles Http://www.vwvortex.com http://www.vwfixx.com
Now back to the other cars.
Both the rav4 and crv have scored numerous awards in quality, design, safety. The cost for standard maintenance for both cars is a bit high.
The first number is the rav4, the second is the crv
/C Compressor=$825-$605
Alternator=$710-$450
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle -$1,995-$1880
Brakes-$755-$420
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing -$560-$510
Constant Velocity Joints-$670-$2350
Exhaust System-$755-$380
Radiator -$720-$515
Shocks and/or Struts-$860-$1195
Timing Chain or Belt -$420-$355
(price includes parts and labor)
Overall, Honda and toyota are neck in neck when it comes to reliability. however, I think honda may have pulled ahead this year due to the rush by toyota to bring the yaris here (largest recall in company history)
I personally dont like the looks of either, im more of a sports car guy, but the quality is great with either.
Toyota took over gm as the largest automaker in the world this last quarter, so maybe you should hit the honda up so toyota doesnt get bigger.
Q: Where can I find VW Rabbit dimensions, (i.e., suspension, steering, etc.)?
Our company is interested in building a limited production vehicle using only readily available off-the-shelf parts. The design will incorporate a front-wheel drive suspension. We have chosen the VW Rabbit. We can purchase transaxle assemblies, brakes, etc. -- Seeking VW Rabbit dimensions, 1975-1984, of suspension, steering, shocks, powertrain, etc. Thank you.
A: Brad gives good advice especially on VWs.
Q: i am about to buy a 1992 vw rabbit.would like to know what kind of gasoline should i use?
A: There is no "92 Rabbit" so I assume a 92 Golf (A2) with a 1.8L SOHC 8V engine. They take Gasohol (10%) or regulat unleaded fuel(what ever is cheapest).
a 2.0L DOHC 16V engine takes Premium and can never used Gasohol blended fuel or you will destroy the Fuel Injection system. Those engines take the most expensive gas you can find(what a friggin pain)
ASE Cert Auto tech, Shop Owner, 92 GTI16V 2.0L
Q: '07 VW Rabbit?
Pro's Con's
That, or should i get a 95'+ jeep,
focus, prob want the rabbit tho, or a used pickup. Prob either the Rabbit, or a jeep, i live in az. Going to college, work at falcon field ex-afb
Going in army in 4 years for helicopter pilot etc.
Love going 4x4ing, dont have jet skis or quads but if i did then i couldn't tow it with the rabbit.... but i am going to college and working tho.
Whats better? Idk what I want pro's con's please?
A: Slow down.
The 07 VW will run you $20K+ depending on the extras.
The 95 jeep is good but I assume you want to get 4 yrs out of it without major repairs.
If your entering the army in 4 yrs you could sell the VW etc.
As for Quads and jet skis??? If ever you didn't get in the army and you need money for school how do you intend to pay for everything?
The VW is reliable
Q: Difference between the GTI and the Rabbit?
Apart from mechanics, what is the overall difference from the VW GTI and the VW Rabbit. Is it the same body with the acception of rims, front bumper and antenna? Or is there more things that are different. I know there is a 50HP difference and it uses premium feul but what I want to know is there is a difference on the look apart from what I mentioned before...
A: Not really. The GTI is basicly a sport model of the Rabbit. That's how it was with the older GTI's and Golfs. There are also different options you can get on the GTI but nothing too special.
Q: Can I just replace a convertible top and toss the headliner and padding, or do I need them on an 84 rabbit?
I have been working on an 84 white VW Rabbit convertible with a black topfor a year and a half and have put off replacing the top until this spring. The top is really ragged with black tape covering the tears. The headliner underneath show age but has no visible rips or tears. The original horsehair padding is pretty stiff.
It has bothered me though: I never drive it with the top up, have only taken it out maybe 15 times per summer and leave it covered with a waterproof car cover with breathable eyelits when not in use(did some research on which cover to get and it was well worth it).
I can pick up a top and new hardware online for less than 200 or get the complete kit with new padding and headliner for over 400.
But do I really need the headliner and padding? The only thing they seem to be there for is blockout out sound when the top is up and make it look a little nicer inside.
I would be cheaper and easier to install if I just foregoed on the headliner and padding
A: I own a 1994 LeBaron convertible...the old headliner was simply installed on the new top, no problem.
It is useful to keep the liner...if you do have a need to drive with the top up, the car is better insulated, and much quieter. Looks nicer, too.
Q: Mazda3 or VW Rabbit?
Its my first car and i found a used a really nice used mazda 3 brown leather, navigation, heated seats, and bose sound system for 15,000 or i could get a new rabbit with a lot less features...prob just an ipod adapter
A: You get more luxuries for the money with the Mazda. The Mazda 3 is used, but it will probably have less problems and be cheaper maintain.
Q: 08 VW Rabbit fuel questions?
Well I just bought an 08 Rabbit, it has the 5 cylinder engine with 170hp and 177ft torque, should i use premium or regular?
A: regular, while all other vw uses premium
yours is not a turbo so regular will be fine.
Q: Any reason to buy/not to buy a Mazda3 hatchback or VW Rabbit?
I just test drove both of them, and they're practical, moderately efficient, handle well, and are among the best hatchbacks as rated by Consumer Reports. Any tips about features, warranties, or other good things about the cars that I might have missed at first glance? Any major problems, high maintenance costs, safety issues I should know about? When I buy they'll probably be used, so any advice that goes back a few years as well as includes the '08 models is greatly appreciated. I'd really like to know if there is any year I should avoid as well.
A: i would say the Mazda 3. the Mazda has a smaller engine, a 2.3 liter vs. the Rabbits 2.5 liter. thats 156hp against 170hp. but the Mazda has better mileage, 32mpg against the Rabbits 29mpg. there only seems to be a couple problems with the Rabbit. many people complain that there is no sunroof, and the transmission seems to be a bit clunky. the only problem with the Mazda is that its hard to find one. if you want the Rabbit, the only ones you should avoid are the ones from the 70s and 80s.
Q: Can I trade my used car for another used car? If so, what are the steps to do so?
I've had this 2006 Honda Accord EX-L w/ Nav w/ 6-Speed MT for six months now. It's loaded to the gills. I want to trade it in for something smaller. I haven't paid it off fully. In fact, I'm far from paying it off. I was thinking about a Honda Civic or VW Rabbit or Audi A3. I kind of would like to go German side preferably. I was stupid to buy this car. It's a great car all around. It's just a bit much. Too much car than I care for. I know I should have thought about that before I bought the car, but at the time, I just wanted to 'live a little' and have something really nice. I think I overshot it. Oh and money isn't the problem at all. I just don't want to freak out about the leather interior or nav or any other luxury that's attached to this car like I already have. I'll wait til I'm 50 to do that.
A: I like a person that admit their mistakes, shows class.
Yes you can trade, but this time lets be sure you follow all the right steps,
Go to my website http://www.usedcartips.org/ and study your options, its Free advice with no strings attached, should you not be sure about something feel free to contact me through the site...hope this helps...
Q: Why don't cars get better mileage...(like some old ones used to)?
I used to have a 1977 VW. Rabbit Diesel that got an honest 52 M.P.G. on the freeway. I laugh at all of the auto adds today bragging about 30 M.P.G. or so. 31 years later, better technology, and LESS gas mileage. It doesn't make sense.
A: You are comparing apples to oranges. A diesel engine is more efficient then a gas engine so a gas engine will never get the same fuel mileage. Take a look at new cars with diesel engines if you want to compare mileage between vehicles. Unfortunately not many cars in the US have a diesel engine as an option. When diesel was cheaper then gasoline the extra cost of the diesel engine was worth it in the long run. But now that diesel fuel is more then gasoline it takes a lot of driving to recover the extra cost of a diesel engine. Plus a diesel engine costs more to repair if something fails and it is harder for a back yard mechanic to fix without a lot of expensive tools. So even though they are not as efficient as diesels gas engines with their lower fuel economy can be cheaper in the long run.
As far as fuel efficiency on gas powered cars I think it has improved some over the last 20 years but not much. I used to have a 1985 Dodge Charger. It was a bare bones compact car with a 2.2L 4 cylinder gas engine that got about 35 mpg. It had a 2 barrel carb and might have gotten a little more per gallon if it had fuel injection. Last month I rented a new Chevy Malibu (which is a bit bigger then the old Charger) and was surprised it got about 32 to 33 mpg. What also doesn't help the fuel mileage of cars today versus 20 years ago is that these days people want all the options in their cars now. When you add the weight of extras like extra plush interiors, powered locks, and powered windows it starts adding up. And the heavier a car gets the less fuel mileage it will do.