“Looks good, runs good” is the perfect opening line for this ad in its simplicity and lack of hoity-toity grammar. No matter what people try to charge for them as time goes on, Volkswagen Rabbit Pickups will always be about honest practicality. No frills, no big tires, no in-dash DVD players. These trucks are about getting you from A to B faster and carrying more stuff than a bike could. And probably using less energy as well, especially with these diesels that approach 50 mpgs.
This red on red example is very straight with good paint, a nice spray-in liner that will battle the elements and rust, and a clean interior (other than some hidden, reportedly beat seats). The seller has done his part to address any leaks and squeaks, and prior to him there was an alleged rebuild around 30k miles ago. 160k is pretty early for these diesels to need much attention, but with a new owner willing to address any further drips and noises that arise, you can be sure the motor will keep going until we finally burn this green and blue sphere to dust.
Click for details: 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup on eBay
Year: 1983
Model: Rabbit Pickup
Engine: 1.6 liter diesel inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 198,000 mi
Price: $5,000 OBO
truck looks good, runs good. gets 47 mpg. Lx diesel model. has spray in bed liner, new carpet. seats need reupholstered. all season tires almost new. has no leaks or drips . I have owned truck about 2 1/2 years. had been sitting in a garage for several years. I had to replace struts, 1 wheel cylinder, and several seals. it took me a year or more to stop all oil leaks, but have had no problems with truck since. very dependable. truck shows about 198,000 miles. was told engine was rebuilt in the 160,000s. have no documentation to prove this, but as well as the truck runs, I think that is probably true.
$5,000 seems like a reasonable place to start negotiations given the condition and state of the market, and if you can work the seller down a little bit you’ll be getting a very nice truck. Some nice new-to-you seats shouldn’t be too hard to get from a pick-n-pull, and all of sudden you’ve got yourself the economy truck of a lifetime. I’d even say you could put some new wheels and a rear bumper on to make it extra clean, but let’s not get too crazy; this is a Rabbit Pickup we’re talking about!
-NR
