1984 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI

As much as the E30 M3 has become a wild vintage success story, and as much I’m proud of the E28 M5 for being a “buy now!” list-maker, the true David that took down Goliath when it came out and will continue to do so until the end of time is the indomitable Mk1 GTI. It looks right, it goes right, and for all the hype, it’s still available. Today’s has some highs and lows, low-mileage and lots of love being the prior, some cosmetic needs for the latter, but overall it is getting some extremely hot bidding because people know it is a diamond in the rough. With a paint job and some interior work, this would be one of those GTIs that is reaching above $10k. If the bidding stays low enough, the buyer will end up with a triple threat: a fun project, a legendary daily driver, and a great investment opportunity.

Click for details: 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI on eBay

Year: 1984
Model: Rabbit GTI
Engine: 1.8 liter inline-4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 104,106 mi
Price: Reserve-off auction

I’m the original owner of this 1984 VW Rabbit GTI. I purchased it at Lakewood Motors in Lakewood California in November of 1983 and moved it to Estes Park, Colorado in 1991 where it has been since. The dry climate in Colorado has been a good thing from a standpoint of minimizing rust, but the intense sunlight has taken a toll on the paint. Its low miles can be attributed to the fact that it has been driven sparingly since the early 2000’s.

It runs and drives great, but it could really use a paint job as it is down to mostly primer in a number of areas. The body is structurally sound and the panels are straight other than a few minor door dings. The interior is in very good shape with the exception of the left bolster of the driver’s seat which has a few tears in the upholstery. The car has never been smoked in. All gauges are working. It has factory A/C, but it no longer blows cold air. I’m not exactly sure what repairs would be necessary to bring the A/C back to life.

I have done most of the maintenance work on this car myself and have kept a maintenance log from day 1. Here are some of the highlights.

Within the last 100 miles: new battery, new fuel filter, brake fluid flushed and replaced, new upper and lower radiator hoses and coolant, oil and filter change, and new front and rear wheel bearings. The timing belt and water pump were replaced at 60,568 miles and the spark plugs, front brake pads, and oxygen sensor were replaced at 97,600 miles.

This is a solid car and a rare example of the original “hot hatch” in stock condition.

Terms of Sale: 30 year old vehicle being sold AS-IS:

I have described the car honestly and to the best of my ability based on having owned it since new. I believe it to be in good mechanical condition. However, it is 30 years old so routine service and repairs should be expected based on its age. I welcome showing my GTI in person during the auction if you are not comfortable bidding on it sight unseen.

Thanks for your time, Keith.

No, Keith. Thanks for YOUR time. Thanks for keeping this thing running in all-original condition and being willing to pass it on to the next steward. Thanks for spending 30 years enjoying but not beating on this excellent little Rabbit+. For the low miles, I can see the auction reaching over $6k, but again, with a quality paint job, some seats, and some love, it could be worth twice that.

-NR