I'm looking at buying a 1981 diesel rabbit 5 speed, I was wondering if there were any problems or quirks with them? I talked to a friend of mine who has a cousin that had one, he said that his rabbit caught on fire twice, are rabbits known for that? Thanks for the help.

I have an 81, and it has been flawless, for the most part. The only problem I ever remember it having is a seized heater fan motor. Smoked out the whole car!!! Changed it, and it is fine. No other electrical problems.

I've been told that fuse blocks tend to have some problems, but I haven't ran into it.

In fact, Im going to look at an 80 Rabbit Diesel tonight....I really like these cars...

Is yours a diesel/ manual? 4 spd or 5spd? What kinda mileage do you get?

My 81 was originally a 4 speed, but I had a 5 speed lying around, so I installed it.

In the city I get about 45 miles per US Gallon (3.78litres). I don't know my current highway mileage, but I can drive about 7.5 hours on less than a tank. A trim, 7.5 hours each direction, plus 3 days driving in the city cost me about $60.00CAD...

Excellent mileage on a car with 370x,xxx kms.

wiring issues.. they are known to burn and fuze out... specially the wires going from the dimmer switch to the dash and guages. You might want to lookinto puting an inline fuze from the dimmer to the dash and another from the dimmer to the guages

water leaks.. most due to clogged drains