MackDaddy43 Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 Came across a 1984 diesel rabbit today. Guy wants $800 for it. Its not in perfect shape cosmetically but he says it runs fine. Its a 5-speed with 240k on it. My question, what kind of problems can i expect from it? I need a cheap beater thats good on gas with how unpredictable the audi is, and these have always fascinated me. I put the audi up for sale and have been entertaining a few offers on it, but I'd still want a backup just in case. Also: I talked to him today, and he said that the title was still in his friends name, because he was given the car to try to make a project out of it. I told him if there was going to be any issues with the title i'm not going to buy it. How do you think that will go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avenger1647545502 Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 I had one for a little while (about a month, actually), it had a little rust, but other than that it was a good little runner. Mine was a 1.9 SDI swap by the previous owner, with the 1.9 TDI upper half in the hatch (never installed it though). It was good off the line, in fact I'll bet the 60's were AWESOME for a street car, but after shifting to 2nd it fell on its face. An n/a 1.6 is going to be SLOW, and a 1.5 might well get passed by fully loaded semis... I got it for CHEAP, the PO had electrical issues and wanted shut of it. I sold it for ready cash, kinda wish I'd kept it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ICEMAN1647545504 Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 These can be made into very cool looking rides. They last forever and are great on gas 40+ MPG. They leak oil like crazy, rust is a big deal on these, bushing, bearings will probably need replaced. Other than that I think they are turn key and drive cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponyjr1647545514 Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 I think i saw the one your talking about. I think they can look real cool with subtle differences. As long as the undercarriage isn't rusted out, and driveline is fine, your good to go. Plus for $800 bucks, where can you go wrong? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackDaddy43 Posted March 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 I'm not looking to drag it, or race it by any means. Its going to be something solely for getting to school and work. As I've said b4 I go to vocational school, and can have the auto body shop bondo up any rust holes. Its primer black now too. He said the interior is pretty bad too... what would I be able to expect to pay on a reupholstery job for the seats? Called the carpet "grunge" too lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackDaddy43 Posted March 23, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1655028509.html link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericsarge Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 check the shock towers and floor boards. they rust fast. the guy was going to take it to my grandpas to have the timing belt replaced about a month ago. my cuz who works with him said if its fixed it prolly has new time b and head. in which case its worth it. depends on the engines current situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponyjr1647545514 Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 I'd do a custom interior. You can get a pair of ricer apc "racing" seats chep. Or get the seats out of a newer VW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ICEMAN1647545504 Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 I say take it man... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Jones Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 I'd get save up and get a later model TDI with some miles..like a mk4 jetta TDi.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6 Speed S4 Posted March 23, 2010 Report Share Posted March 23, 2010 I'd get save up and get a later model TDI with some miles..like a mk4 jetta TDi.. I'd do that too, get a newer tdi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackDaddy43 Posted March 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 I just figured it out!!!! BIODIESEL! Been doing some reading, and correct me if I'm wrong, But it seems in the summer / warmer months if you mix some reg diesel with filtered out restaurant grease you can run just fine! I heard a lot about 2 tank systems, and heating systems due to the low freezing / solidifying temp, but i dont thing that'd be TOTALLY necessary. Heard a lot of success's from just putting it in and going even. Any opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackDaddy43 Posted March 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 I had a link, but accidentally closed it :/ I'm gonna look for it when i get home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackDaddy43 Posted March 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/introduction.html here ya go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBussman1647545507 Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 i had an 84 gas, it had alot of problems but it was hosed from the start, i paid 270 for it so I'm not complaining. i defiantly have respect for them. 800 sounds really cheap for a diesel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ansonivan Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 It would be a pretty rough commuter car, rough ride, tons of wind noise/vibration/general discomfort. Doing a proper greasel setup takes a fair amount of cash or a bunch of time, just throwing roughly filtered grease in the tank will result in untold problems. You may get away with it for a while but it will eventually bugger something/things up. Veg oil is also incredibly messy and difficult to clean up, it eats most rubber and smells terrible. Having said all that, lowball the guy, turn up the injection pump and have some fun with the thing for a few months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berto Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 If you have a city commute....great. If you have to be on the highway for over 5 miles good luck. I hear they are turds and can't even get up to speed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cinergi Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 I think you could find a much better deal for $800 with your ability to scour the internetz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 I think you could find a much better deal for $800 with your ability to scour the internetz. +1. With my '82 diesel Silverado, I've always been interested in a VW Diesel for even better fuel economy. Check out searchtempest.com for diesel VW's in rust-free states...MUCH better investment in the long run... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRed05 Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 Do it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverAudiMike Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 I had one in highschool and it was awesome. Super easy to run on kitchen oil too once you get set up. Buy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverAudiMike Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 Oh, link to the Audi for sale? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackDaddy43 Posted March 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 Oh, link to the Audi for sale? http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/1657279552.html and as for traveling to find one, I have to say no to that. I go to school full time and still work 26 hours a week so a trip isn't really in the near future. I really just need something good on gas, and in the range of around $800. I just thought the idea of greasel sounded really cool, but I wouldn't want to pay a bunch of money if it's just gonna keep breaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted March 24, 2010 Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 If you are interested in 100% biodiesel, I've got a company I buy from for my truck. IMO, biodiesel would be easier/cheaper to run that Rabbit on (after converting rubber to Viton where needed in the fuel system) than doing grease. Grease kits seem like a great idea, but there are enough diesel greenie/hippies in Columbus to make getting a reliable source of used veggie oil difficult. For as busy as you are, the last thing you'll want is to be low on fuel and hunt around for more, while going to school...and working. I love the simplicity of diesel cars/trucks, and biodiesel makes them run better (in warmer weather like now). I can hook you up with biofuel if you make the plunge. It'll be less than $2 a gallon, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MackDaddy43 Posted March 24, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2010 Hmmmmmm. This is getting really tough to decide! I think I'm gonna do it. Worst case scenario I can jst put reg diesel in obv. Just have to pay the premium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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