i just looked at a 1980 diesel rabbit. its still inspected. think i should buy it???
1980 150000 miles inspected to 6/07. diesel 5 speed
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1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The big news for 1980 was the addition of a convertible to the Volkswagen Rabbit lineup. The Rabbit Convertible came with a slightly upgraded engine, a 1.6-liter single-overhead-cam four-cylinder, which generated 76 horsepower. The convertible lost its hatchback (naturally), and instead came with a small trunk. A padded rollbar, located just behind the front seats, was added for structural stability and safety purposes.
Also joining the Rabbit lineup for 1980 was a Rabbit pickup, which was longer than the standard Rabbit (by nearly three feet) and came with either a gas or diesel engine.
Standard power for the Rabbit was 71-horsepower four-cylinder engine installed sideways, so that it minimized the amount of space it required. A 48-horsepower, 1.5-liter diesel was also available. A four-speed manual transmission was standard in the Rabbit, while a four-speed automatic was available as an option. The diesel was available with a five-speed manual.
In addition to the basic Rabbit, the Rabbit Convertible, and the Rabbit pickup truck, the Rabbit was available in a number of other packages, including the Rabbit C, the Rabbit L, and the Rabbit LX. The Rabbit C package was equipped with an AM/FM radio, a color-coordinated interior, reclining front seats, a rear window defogger, and a day/night rearview mirror, while the Rabbit L package added such features as a wood-grained dash, special moldings on the windows and hatch, and a lockable glovebox.
MacPherson struts, large disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and energy-absorbing bumpers were all standard equipment.
Drivers were impressed with the Rabbit's handling, quickness, and gas mileage.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
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by Anonymous
Nov 13, 2012
Through no fault of its own, the front was backed into, bent steel front engine mount enough for timing belt to run slightly off-center. Lost belt, bent valves, took apart, new valves, re-sized pistons (100,000 miles) . Took to road, up to 55, lots of smoke, started acceleration running on its own and had to apply brakes to slow it down. Probably pulling oil from breather. Loaned car to guy with instruction not to over 55, he did but belt came off and bent valves. I towed it 20 miles home and gave it to some neighbor kids.Nov 13, 2012
by Chad Y
Sep 10, 2008
First off they don't have the catagory for my car. !980 Rabbit Convertable 2dr sport package. The first year VW made it! awsome all the way. Fun to drive, great on gas, sporty as all get out! Will take a honda crx off the line while the guy girl is staring at you all the way!Sep 10, 2008
by Brendan B
Apr 23, 2008
This was my first car which my mom got for me when i was 16. So I owned her from 1986 untill she died on a levee road in Lodi early in a summer morning in 1994 or 1995. I was very sad to see her go away and shed a couple tearsApr 23, 2008
User rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 13, 2012
Through no fault of its own, the front was backed into, bent steel front engine mount enough for timing belt to run slightly off-center. Lost belt, bent valves, took apart, new valves, re-sized pistons (100,000 miles) . Took to road, up to 55, lots of smoke, started acceleration running on its own and had to apply brakes to slow it down. Probably pulling oil from breather. Loaned car to guy with instruction not to over 55, he did but belt came off and bent valves. I towed it 20 miles home and gave it to some neighbor kids.Nov 13, 2012
by Chad Y
Sep 10, 2008
First off they don't have the catagory for my car. !980 Rabbit Convertable 2dr sport package. The first year VW made it! awsome all the way. Fun to drive, great on gas, sporty as all get out! Will take a honda crx off the line while the guy girl is staring at you all the way!Sep 10, 2008
by Brendan B
Apr 23, 2008
This was my first car which my mom got for me when i was 16. So I owned her from 1986 untill she died on a levee road in Lodi early in a summer morning in 1994 or 1995. I was very sad to see her go away and shed a couple tearsApr 23, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 06, 2008
is not good at all Mar 06, 2008
by Matt D
Mar 01, 2008
Diesel, fantastic milageMar 01, 2008
by Scott C
Feb 29, 2008
I had two of these in the early 80'sFeb 29, 2008
by Anonymous
Nov 08, 2007
I love the car. That is why i want to keep it and never sellNov 08, 2007
What users have asked
can i mess up the valves in my car?
I have a 1980 Volkswagen rabbit. Recently i changed the water pump but i think i messed up my valves because i had to take off the timing belt. However I am getting mixed info on the engine and how it can't mess up the valves (i forget the term they used) but others are wanting to charge me nearly $1,000 for repair. Any info that i can get back will greatly appreciated. Thx
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1980 VW Rabbit (manual transmission) has NO Power!!!
this does have manual transmission, goes in & out of gear fine, but no acceleration. Barely enough to go 5 mpg. WHAT IS UP??? Someone, please help...is it the clutch, or is the tranny toast?
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