Volkswagen Rabbit Forum : “i just looked at a 1980 diesel rabbit. its still inspected. think i should buy i...”

If its the right price. Always the possibility that you would have to pay to have it fixed if it didn't pass inspection.

check the rear suspension mounting locations ONE MAJOR PROBLEM of rear axle falling off going down the road... cause bad primer, lack of underbody coating suspension mounts rust off unibody and hit a pothole and rearend stays put you keep going.

that engine is barely broke in but do replace timing belt Tendency to break causing multi thousand dollar repairs.  probably good Idea to replace every 30,000 miles or sooner if doing alot of idling that is about when they fail on average.

multi thousand dollar repairs?!?!? your insane you can find a rabbit diesel motor for $100-150 and install it in one day there is literally three wires you need to unplug then plug back in for the swap