Diesels don't get tune-ups. They get repaired when they are broken.
These things are still noisy-vibrating beasts. The engine will run for a
long time. The motor mount by the engine pulleys fails frequently
causing more noise and vibration. Many people love them for their
economy but you have to be tolerant.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of dave bowers
Sent: Friday, February 07, 2003 10:58 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: OT: ever own a VW Rabbit L?

Hi Folks,

I have a neighbor who is selling his 1984 VW Rabbit L (Diesel) for $700.
It's a manual, and has 120k on it. Body is excellent.

I need a commuter car, and am considering this along with a bunch of
small
Japanese cars.

Anyone ever own one of these?  Can you comment on the pros or cons of an
older VW diesel? I need basic fuel econonomy (25 mpg or better) for my
daily
commute. I have not idea what size engine these have, or how they stand
up
to age. I don't even know how easy or hard they are to maintenance.

I'm comparing the Rabbit to other small, gas cars such as Toyota
Carollas,
Geo Metros and Mazda 323's for example.

The price seem quite decent for this Rabbit, considering the low miles
and
what good shape it's in. He's the original owner and doesn't have room
for
it any more. It needs a "tune up" as he put it, and that's about it.

Any experiences with one you can share would be great.

Thanks much!

dave :)

___________________
dave bowers
1986 westy "hms-beagle"
portland, oregon
www.dave-bowers.com/vw