Info on 84 GTI

[Russell]

I am looking for a little info on 84 Rabbit GTI, I am looking at buying a second car for the winter (i have been for a long time now). How are they on gas? Good winter cars?

[Kor]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

I am looking for a little info on 84 Rabbit GTI, I am looking at buying a second car for the winter (i have been for a long time now). How are they on gas? Good winter cars?

I would say any car thats that old doesn't make a great winter car since exposure to the weather tends to make problems magnify much faster than a newer car.

For example a small scratch in the paint in the Fall that you might not really be able to see, could turn into a rusty hole by Spring.

Likewise things like bad roads tend to take their toll on 25 year old suspension parts over the winters if you are just using it as a beater.

Some old cars can develop leaks as the weather stripping starts to get old and water can drip very slowly into places its not supposed to be.

Make sure that the heat works

If you don't care what happens to the car, they are pretty reliable. But if you want it to survive and be in okay shape, I would say you'd be better off with a more modern car from a purely practical standpoint.

This is from a guy who owns an 84 cabriolet and used it as his winter car all last winter.

[RONDAL]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

rabbits make BAD winter cars. they make great mechanics dream cars...but not good daily drivers. if you want a good daily find a mk2 1.8L 8v. they are dead on reliable if you take car of the ongoing stuff and stay on top of them.

rabbits are like a girlfriend on PMS...tempermental b*tches!

[Tuna]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

Really depends on the shape I guess, if it has relatively low mileage I don't think it would be that bad. I agree that a mk2 might be a little better as far as reliability but again, probably depends on what kind of life it has had. The thing with Rabbits now though is they aren't always the best value anymore because people want a lot for them (most of the time more than they are worth).

A friend of mine bought one off CVD last year (or the year before can't remember) with 160,000 kms on it, it is a bit rusty but apart from needing a boost once and snaping the timing belt (not a fault of the car) he's had no issues with it.

My Rabbit didn't see much winter duty this past winter but the winter before that it did just great. It will likely be my winter car this winter too.

Some things can be a little annoying though, like the window seals on my car are dried up so I tend to get a bit of water in the car when I wash it and things.

My heater works great though and they are awesome in the snow but mine was EUTuned so I can't really compare.

[RONDAL]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

also rabbits suck in the snow just due to the fact they aren't at all heavy enough. even with sandbags you cant get the weight you need to go anywhere.

[Tuna]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

also rabbits suck in the snow just due to the fact they aren't at all heavy enough. even with sandbags you cant get the weight you need to go anywhere.

Ok, that's where I'm really going to disagree with you. My Rabbit does excellent in the snow. So did my Scirocco, it was an awesome winter car.

[100%VAGitarian]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

x2!

[mr_barbeque]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

My Scirocco was excellent as well, however if your not too mechanically inclined I would go for a newer variety of dub!

[James]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

Ok, that's where I'm really going to disagree with you. My Rabbit does excellent in the snow. So did my Scirocco, it was an awesome winter car.

Yeah, mike had that 84 GTI for a couple winters, was a great car if you threw good tires at it

[Kor]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

To be fair my Cabriolet does well in the snow too in terms of traction and handling.

The main problems are rust prone, leak prone. Windshied wipers and windshield aren't the best and hard to fix/replace. Seats aren't too comfy.

[DeanerF]

Re: Info on 84 GTI

the only reason not to have a rabbit (or any A1 for winter) is the heaters and blower motors suck balls.

get a mk2