/ /

55k Mile 1984 Volkswagen (VW) Rabbit GTI w/quality of life upgrades

Make: Volkswagen
Model: Rabbit
Type: Hatchback
Trim: GTI
Year: 1984
Mileage: 55,000
VIN: 1VWDC0178EV010173
Color: Black
Engine: 1.8L SOHC Naturally Aspirated
Cylinders: 4
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual
Drive type: FWD
Interior color: Burgundy
Vehicle Title: Clear
Item location: Columbia, Missouri, United States

1984 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI Additional Info:

History:
This Rabbit is the most fun I've ever had driving a car. I am the third owner. The first kept it garaged and drove it 6,000 miles. The second owner kept it in a climate-controlled garage and drove it to 52,000 miles. He also made the majority of the noticeable alterations (bumpers, audio, electric, etc). I acquired it one year ago, and have focused my efforts on converting it to a reliable daily driver. It is kept in my private driveway under a custom car cover. I have not driven it 3,000 miles, but I stripped the odometer by engaging the mechanism while in motion, so I am posting 55k miles as an overestimate. For those concerned with mileage accuracy: The title confirms mileage when bought and also the date bought. Service records show mileage increase and date when it stops under my ownership. An interested buyer can verify the mileage is as claimed, and I'm happy to assist in that, as fare the folk at the local shops I use.
If you are new to the VW scene, I will be happy to hook you up with the networks I've developed. After your purchase, I will also remain available for inquiries regarding the vehicle's history. I have retained records for all work done under my ownership.
I am HAPPY to do Skype walkarounds, in-person visits, send more pics, etc.
Price Explanation:
Older VW heads may get sticker shock, but I've done my due diligence. I've had a couple of attractive in-person offers just cracking 5 digits, but I believe the market exists for a bit more. Rabbits with this mileage or a bit more have recently gone for $20k and $23k. Given the quality of life upgrades (top of the line audio with aux input, period correct car alarm), the recent preventative maintenance done (see below), and the parts and goodies included (see below), I feel confident this is a reasonable asking price. Open to offers and trades, however.
I am selling because (1) I am a poor grad student, (2) I don't have a garage or even a paved, level driveway for tinkering, and (3) I need a car I'm willing to drive on salted roads and unmaintained back roads.
Basics:

1984 Westmoreland Rabbit, 2-door hatchback GTI

1.8L naturally aspirated SOHC

5 speed manual transmission, close-ratio transmission

German block

>55k original miles

Minimal to zero rust

Slight body modifications for more aggressive look

Replaced clutch, flywheel, axles, steering, and suspension components

New coilovers all around

BBS style wheels with nearly new tires

New water pump, radiator, fan, gaskets, seals, plugs, cap, rotor, wires, stainless steel fuel lines, filters

New fuel pump and fuel filter

New battery, still under warranty

New 140a alternator to power electronics; stock mounting

New wires for new alt

New windshield wipers

New gas charged hood and trunk struts

Many parts under the hood powdercoated

Preventative rust-proofing to underbody

Genuine Nuespeed strut tower brace

Genuine Hella fog lights

Rare NOS Zender spoiler

New O2 sensor

New catalytic converter

Aftermarket exhaust (nice exhaust note--not a tin can rattler)

All wipers, blowers, etc work as they should. Even the door chime.

New dome light, soft yellow color, very bright.

New Genssi LED Projector headlights

European style bumpers

Power windows

Handcrank sunroof

No parasitic draw
Fun stuff:

Top of the line Memphis Audio speakers. Front in stock locations, rear built into luggage cover.

Top of the line amp under passenger seat

"Bass shaker" under driver's seat

Period-correct Alpine head unit with dash-mounted keypad

Period-correct Alpine alarm system

USB charging port

Aux input for audio
Cons:

Drivers side door was leaned on by previous owner and hangs slightly low. Doesn't ding the frame, closes fine, and won't get worse, according to the guys at Walts.

Drivers side door lock is stuck in unlocked position (cheap fix, which I'd be happy to do if necessary) because I was dumb in the winter.

The odometer stopped about 8 gas tanks ago because I pushed the tripometer while in motion. The fix is a new plastic gear that costs ~$5.

Rear fog light is on passenger rather than driver side
Front passenger fog light was stripped on installation, so hangs slightly wonky
The cassette player function of the head unit doesn't work. BB King tape in the glove compartment not included in sale.
Extras:

Bentley service manual

Full set of original wheels included, incl. spare.

Custom microfiber car cover

New MissingLinkz Short-throw weighted shifter kit with Teflon bushings

Assorted spare air and fuel filters, gaskets, belts

Assorted bulbs

Spare fuel pump relay

Metal dimpled golf ball style shift knob with incorrect shift pattern

NOS dimpled golf ball shift knob with no shift pattern

Spare hood struts (low angle of install prematurely ages them. They're $20-$40 for a pair)

OEM 65a alternator

Original Rabbit trunk badge (replaced it with Euro style badge)

US-style front bumper
Grin your face off every time you look at it or drive it.

Shipping:
We can negotiate shipping/pickup arrangements as part of the sale. <script>if (typeof(lpcurruser) == 'undefined') lpcurruser = ''; if (document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt') && document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value != '') { lpcurruser = document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value; document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value = ''; } if (typeof(lpcurrpass) == 'undefined') lpcurrpass=''; if (document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt') && document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value != '') { lpcurrpass = document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value; document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value = ''; } var lploc="1";var lponlyfill=null;(function() { var doc = document; var frm = doc.getElementById('SignInForm'); var old_username = doc.getElementById('userid'); var old_password = doc.getElementById('pass'); var runids = doc.getElementsByName('runId2'); var runid = null; if (runids.length==1) { runid = doc.getElementsByName('runId2')[0]; } if (frm && runid && old_username && old_password ) { try { old_username.value = ""; old_password.value = ""; old_username.parentNode.nextSibling.getElementsByTagName('input')[0].value = lpcurruser; old_password.parentNode.previousSibling.getElementsByTagName('input')[0].value = lpcurrpass; } catch (e) { }; } })();lpcurruser = ''; lpcurrpass = '';</script><script>if (typeof(lpcurruser) == 'undefined') lpcurruser = ''; if (document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt') && document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value != '') { lpcurruser = document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value; document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value = ''; } if (typeof(lpcurrpass) == 'undefined') lpcurrpass=''; if (document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt') && document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value != '') { lpcurrpass = document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value; document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value = ''; } var lploc="1";var lponlyfill=null;(function() { var doc = document; var frm = doc.getElementById('SignInForm'); var old_username = doc.getElementById('userid'); var old_password = doc.getElementById('pass'); var runids = doc.getElementsByName('runId2'); var runid = null; if (runids.length==1) { runid = doc.getElementsByName('runId2')[0]; } if (frm && runid && old_username && old_password ) { try { old_username.value = ""; old_password.value = ""; old_username.parentNode.nextSibling.getElementsByTagName('input')[0].value = lpcurruser; old_password.parentNode.previousSibling.getElementsByTagName('input')[0].value = lpcurrpass; } catch (e) { }; } })();lpcurruser = ''; lpcurrpass = '';</script><script>if (typeof(lpcurruser) == 'undefined') lpcurruser = ''; if (document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt') && document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value != '') { lpcurruser = document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value; document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value = ''; } if (typeof(lpcurrpass) == 'undefined') lpcurrpass=''; if (document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt') && document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value != '') { lpcurrpass = document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value; document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value = ''; } var lploc="1";var lponlyfill=null;(function() { var doc = document; var frm = doc.getElementById('SignInForm'); var old_username = doc.getElementById('userid'); var old_password = doc.getElementById('pass'); var runids = doc.getElementsByName('runId2'); var runid = null; if (runids.length==1) { runid = doc.getElementsByName('runId2')[0]; } if (frm && runid && old_username && old_password ) { try { old_username.value = ""; old_password.value = ""; old_username.parentNode.nextSibling.getElementsByTagName('input')[0].value = lpcurruser; old_password.parentNode.previousSibling.getElementsByTagName('input')[0].value = lpcurrpass; } catch (e) { }; } })();lpcurruser = ''; lpcurrpass = '';</script><script>if (typeof(lpcurruser) == 'undefined') lpcurruser = ''; if (document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt') && document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value != '') { lpcurruser = document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value; document.getElementById('lpcurruserelt').value = ''; } if (typeof(lpcurrpass) == 'undefined') lpcurrpass=''; if (document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt') && document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value != '') { lpcurrpass = document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value; document.getElementById('lpcurrpasselt').value = ''; } var lploc="1";var lponlyfill=null;(function() { var doc = document; var frm = doc.getElementById('SignInForm'); var old_username = doc.getElementById('userid'); var old_password = doc.getElementById('pass'); var runids = doc.getElementsByName('runId2'); var runid = null; if (runids.length==1) { runid = doc.getElementsByName('runId2')[0]; } if (frm && runid && old_username && old_password ) { try { old_username.value = ""; old_password.value = ""; old_username.parentNode.nextSibling.getElementsByTagName('input')[0].value = lpcurruser; old_password.parentNode.previousSibling.getElementsByTagName('input')[0].value = lpcurrpass; } catch (e) { }; } })();lpcurruser = ''; lpcurrpass = '';</script>