Date:         Mon, 24 Aug 1998 09:56:32 EDT
Reply-To:     KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Subject:      Re: Got Diesel Rabbit Pickup?
Comments: To: owner-vanagon@VANAGON.COM, vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

<<Do you own one?
Is the mileage really as good as they say?
What problems have you had?
Is there a VW Rabbit Diesel Pickup list?>>

My first car was a diesel Rabbit pickup or Caddy as they are called and I
loved it.
I got 50 mpg around town and on the highway.
If the motor has been taken care of (oil changed regularly, not overheated)
then you should have no problems with the truck at all.  Only problem I had
was not stopping when a hose blew off of the radiator.  Melted the pistons to
the cylinder walls.  These motors are great but they will not take heat.  If
the PO tells you that he has overheated the motor in the past then I would
pass on it.  Rust is the only real thing to look for when buying one of these
"made in the USA" VWs.  Check the shock towers on either side of the engine
compartment for rust or signs of rust repair.  Also look down the sides of the
truck along the body and around the rear window.
Between myself and my father we have owned three diesel pickups and one FI.
My father still runs his '81 as a work truck every day.  I would only buy '81
or newer though.  Eariler than that the rust problem gets much worse and the
motors has less HP (if you can imagine that).
Have fun with your new truck and check out David Marshalls "Caddy" website.
Ken Wilford
John 3:16