Learn me new rabbit issues...

Goofing around on craigslist tonight and did a search for vw rabbit. The latest generation went from what 04-09? Point is, I found a bunch of 07 & 08 cars for sub 6k. Why the value plunge? I found an 08 5 speed car with sub 90k miles for 5500 obo. I know German cars tend to be finiky and grumpy at times, but dang. SWMBO expressed interest in them at one point. Anniversary coming up next month, would I be hanging myself if I brought one home for her?

The 5 cylinder ones don't get very good mileage, and don't get an automatic. Other than that I knew someone who had one and rode in it once and it seemed ok.

Not the thread I was expecting.

In reply to bastomatic:

We have a "new" rabbit like that one, only grey. She'll tolerate being held like that for approximately 30-seconds, or roughly 1/2 the time it takes to pick her up and put her in her cage. We all wear scars as a testament to the fact.

Regarding VW Rabbits, the non-GTI models just don't seem to stack up value wise to the competition.

I was looking at cars of that type lately and the Rabbits just don't make a lot of sense. 29 mpg on the highway in a car that size seems pretty silly. The 2.5 makes nice noises with an aftermarket exhaust, that's about all it seems good for.

I think a center armrest was a dealer installed option using a factory kit. These cars just seem chintzy. Similar year Acura RSX, Civic Si, or a base Mini Cooper all seem like better options (especially a base RSX).

I leased an 07 Jetta 2.5-5 sp., pretty much the same running gear as far as I know. Very reliable, decent in snow, had heated seats and great climate control, so-so mileage, 2.5 was boring and felt slower than it really was I think, but it was a great highway cruiser.

I gave it back to VW at lease end (39 months). Tail lights had ahabit of going out. 2 recall issues, one ws sheadlight and one I don't remember. No maintenance issues otherwise. I don't know about the Rabbit, but I never would say the interior of the Jetta was chintzy, in fact, it was rather nice and well put together. Thought they were the same, maybe not.

I autocross against one and the girl that drives it does ok in it. She has the auto, but it's fundamentally as fast as my 2. It's a nice car inside. She hasn't had any problems with the car and mostly likes it.

bastomatic wrote: Not the thread I was expecting.

Nor I.

Maybe I was wrong?

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/VW_MKV_Rabbit_Armrest/

I think in 2008 the motor got a bump to 170hp from 150hp. So if you are shopping might as well get the extra power.

The base options packages were different for 2 & 4 doors. Two doors were mainly sold as poverty spec strippers. The fours came with cold weather package standard and a few other options. I remember mine being a lot over optioned than I would have preferred.

Thanks guys. The mini has been discussed as well. They just seem to command a bit more cash. That and I've been highly disappointed with the few base model cars I've driven.

Guy in our club has one. It's getting pretty crusty in the rear fender wells.

He's pretty competitive in the stock street tire class though.

I don't recall, but at some point they stopped offering the 4-door Rabbit with a manual gearbox. It's probably around the time they gave the engine more power.

That would explain the reason i can't find a later model 4 door with a stick.