Oil leak? VW

[boisebimmer]

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/3308682988.html

I am from the 80's BMW world and know those quite will. I really like the VW's from the 80's and would love to own one.

I'm curious about this car and if it's a good deal.

Also about the oil leak? Big issue? easy fix?

What do I need to look for in these VW's? Common Issues and a like.

Really appreciate the hel!

[foxygrandpa]

Well, I think most people will tell you to just check for rust/rot in sweet spots like strut towers and any structural rust. As far as the price, if it runs good then I'd say 1500 with a new clutch is a good buy. I'd still offer less just because I'm a cheapskate

As for oil leak, that is pretty vague. You'll have to ask where it's leaking and how bad it's leaking.
Mine is only leaking oil through the pan plug. I ordered a new one with a gasket like 5 dollars.
Low miles and looks clean. I'd say go look at it and pick it up!

Also be aware that water leaks are very common and inspect things very carefully. Also look at the fuse panel/relays and look for rust/corrosion.

I dunno looks good to me, wish I would have seen it

[boisebimmer]

Well as long as it's been here in Idaho it's whole life it should be pretty rust free. We get snow but don't salt the roads.

When you say "water leaks" do you mean into the motor from the head gasket? Water pump leaks? radiator leaks? What kinda leaks should I look for?

I'm going to offer less because I love my coins

Anything else to look out for on these Rabbits?

[MusicCityGTI]

Find out where the oil is leaking from. My guess is that it may be coming from multiple locations but since it had a recent clutch, hopefully they did the rear main seal.

I'd start with the valve cover gasket which is super easy to fix, and cheap. Then move on from there but these cars are easy to work on so an oil leak wouldn't stop me from buying they car.

With a Cabby, definitely look for rusty floor pans. Leaky tops can do nasty things if allowed to leak for too long. Also make sure the shock towers aren't rusty. That is often a total deal breaker for most people.

Pic is small, but if it is a good runner and not too rusty, $1,500 seems like a reasonable price.

Good luck.

[boisebimmer]

Find out where the oil is leaking from. My guess is that it may be coming from multiple locations but since it had a recent clutch, hopefully they did the rear main seal.

I'd start with the valve cover gasket which is super easy to fix, and cheap. Then move on from there but these cars are easy to work on so an oil leak wouldn't stop me from buying they car.

With a Cabby, definitely look for rusty floor pans. Leaky tops can do nasty things if allowed to leak for too long. Also make sure the shock towers aren't rusty. That is often a total deal breaker for most people.

Pic is small, but if it is a good runner and not too rusty, $1,500 seems like a reasonable price.

Good luck.

Thanks! I hope the rear main seal is done too. Yeah, rust in the shock towers would be a deal breaker.

How much are new tops? how often do they wear out?

I'd love to jump in and change all the seals, hearing that they are easy to work on is reassuring.

[foxygrandpa]

Water leaks meaning the top leaking and getting into floors as mentioned above, will be hard to tell from underneath because of all the undercoating. Also door/window seals usually don't get replaced that often, mine has the original ones lol.. Some good some bad. But leaky seals over time can mean a lot of rust inside. But that's just old cars in general. I'm always more interested in how they treated the car (maintenance done, etc) and how long they've had it.

Best thing to do is call them up and go look at it before someone else does haha. Drive it around and see what you think. If you're familiar with bmw's then you should be good to go as parts won't be as expensive ha.

[boisebimmer]

Water leaks meaning the top leaking and getting into floors as mentioned above, will be hard to tell from underneath because of all the undercoating.

Best thing to do is call them up and go look at it before someone else does haha. Drive it around and see what you think. If you're familiar with bmw's then you should be good to go as parts won't be as expensive ha.

Haha so is there any way to assuredly check for leaks?

Yeah I have a 87 325 so I know about old cars

Yeah, I'm use to spendy parts. My friend who owns a 60's Bug rubs it in my face.It's actually a car for my girlfriend, I'd never turn to the dark side...for a cabriolet . Maybe a Golf GTI

I'm getting really excited for her. I am geting really excited and I'm going to push for her to get this if it's right.

I know in the BMW world we always push for PPI's do you guys recommend this as well? Or are they usually good as long as they are rust free and maintained?

[BoostedOne]

If its not stored in a garage and yall have been getting rain like us lately one sure sign is smell.. If its musty, its been leaking.. if its got airfreshner, its probably leaking..
Get under it and look at the floor pans good..
Look all around the shock towers for ANY rust.. they rot from the wheel well to the inside.. so if you see it on the inside, its RUSTED..

What the hell is PPI? All that comes to mind for me is old skool amps.

[boisebimmer]

A PPI is a Pre-purchase inspection. Just having a mechanic look at it to make sure the car isn't on the verge of exploding.

Just making sure there aren't any very hidden problems.

Appreciate all your help!