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