Need OEM parts list for 85 VW Cabriolet
Need OEM parts list for 85 VW Cabriolet
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1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Harder to say and more obscure than a Rabbit, the 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet is basically a Rabbit convertible with a new name that trills off the tongue with a strangely French lilt. Actually, Cabriolet is a French word for a horse-drawn carriage with a fold-down top, so it's the perfect name for this two-door convertible.
No longer drawn by horses, the 1985 Cabriolet is powered by a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, 90-hp engine paired with a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 3-speed automatic. It's not a racer by any means, but a perky around-town convertible to soak up the summer sun. Described as "cute" this 1985 Cabriolet offers front-wheel drive and basic standard features inside, such as a radio and bucket seats. Ostensibly seating four (if you have small legs in the back), it's a good car for cruising teenagers or college kids out for some carefree fun.
Drivers feel the 1985 Cabriolet is fairly spright, with decent acceleration and easy handling. Fuel economy can't be beat for 1985, with this convertible getting around 23/25 mpg. Some negative comments concerned the amount of costly repairs.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet
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by Louis M
May 21, 2020
Car looks great, but a little expensive for what I am looking for.May 21, 2020
by Hector I
Nov 29, 2011
The car is being restored by me. Slowly i have invested almost two years
into this vehicle. Everything is new on the vehicle but stock except the
engine ECU. It has an MS1 installed. The suspension is stock modified for
better grip and height control. It is very fast compared to the stock fuel
system, and is very fun to drive.Nov 29, 2011
by Max R
Jan 23, 2011
No ABS
No Power Steering
No Traction Control
Everything manual
Thats why I love this car.
A classic car that paved the way for hot Hatches
Fun to drive and sticks to the road like a squashed toad!
Built to last! Jan 23, 2011
User rating:
by Louis M
May 21, 2020
Car looks great, but a little expensive for what I am looking for.May 21, 2020
by Hector I
Nov 29, 2011
The car is being restored by me. Slowly i have invested almost two years
into this vehicle. Everything is new on the vehicle but stock except the
engine ECU. It has an MS1 installed. The suspension is stock modified for
better grip and height control. It is very fast compared to the stock fuel
system, and is very fun to drive.Nov 29, 2011
by Max R
Jan 23, 2011
No ABS
No Power Steering
No Traction Control
Everything manual
Thats why I love this car.
A classic car that paved the way for hot Hatches
Fun to drive and sticks to the road like a squashed toad!
Built to last! Jan 23, 2011
by Ryan E
Jan 08, 2011
Fun car to drive around, very zippy and the handling is great. It's basically a four
seater go-kart, unless you have about 400 lbs worth of spare parts, tools, and
such in the trunk and back seat, which it has right now.
I like the boxy shape and the reliability of these cars. Perfect for a new driver
learning standard.Jan 08, 2011
by Hector I
Dec 09, 2009
Se mueve bien se ve bien y no me deja botao quien
quiere mas de ahi, y se le quita el techo pa el hangueo
que mas se puede pedir de un vehiculo. muy apero pa
la playa los domingos.Dec 09, 2009
by Anonymous
Oct 17, 2009
I bought this in Germany in 1985 and my Mom has had it. I forgot how much fun it was to drive. Has shinny factory paint still. It is perfect for living at the beach in Mexico. Just had a new top and redid the seats. Sure is better than payments! Red VW with the top down, that mite be me!Oct 17, 2009
by Matt B
Aug 10, 2009
its a wolfs berg edition cabriolet with red and white interior and a black top with a 1.8 liter 4 cyl and a 5 speed manual, it only had 17000 miles on the car when i got it.now it has 46000 on the original engine
it is and alright car Aug 10, 2009
by Ron D
Feb 20, 2009
The car actually isn't an 85, it's an 82. Little discrepency i felt i needed to add in there.
I just bought this car recently from my Grandfather, who did a complete restoration on the body, and repainted the car in a very bright shade of Red (not sure of the actual paint code, but it was very close to the original color).
This car has your standard A2 watercooled engine; the 1.8 liter that powers many VW's from the 80's. Coupled up to to a 5-speed manual means great control, and surprisingly for a completely stock car, it gets up and goes; there's no power steering, so low speed manuvering is a bit hard, but once you're moving the car feels light and very nippy. It's not quick in a straight line, but it absolutely loves the twisty stuff.
In a way that makes sense, considering it's based on the Rabbit, which itself is a Golf, and everyone knows what the Golf GTI was (and still is) like to drive.
Build quality is solid, except for normal convertible caveats; the top leaks right around the windshield, so inclement weather is a problem sadly. But it doesn't really matter since this car only gets driven on sunny days with the top down, which is the point of a convertible anyway.
Outside it looks like your typical 80's car; boxy, small headlights, and no real 'flash' to speak of. Interior is pretty much the same as every other Mk1 Rabbit/Golf, i.e. slightly spartan.
The car does great on gas with that little 1.8, but it's still got enough power to help merging onto the highway. Fuel injection means no worrying about stalling out at traffic lights, or hesitation from a stop.
As for fun factor, how can you not have a smile with the top down, wind in your hair, sunglasses on and tunage blasting. That's what convertibles do to youFeb 20, 2009
by Colt O
Jul 02, 2008
Bla bla bla, One little wicked machine.Jul 02, 2008
by Dani L
May 19, 2008
I loved this car - I bought it used in 1989, while I was still in high school. It was a high school girl's dream car - convertible, Volkswagen, etc. It did have mechanical problems and it seemed that we were fixing it quite a bit.May 19, 2008
by Daniella S
Apr 24, 2008
Very fun car for any previous VW owner. Apr 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 17, 2008
its been sitting for awhile but can't wait to see it running againApr 17, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 16, 2008
its in good condition has 50,000 miles on it blk with convertable top new tires there is some fading paint on the hood and right side of front corner panel. Apr 16, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 19, 2008
Had this can while in college. I was "the guy of the cabrio"... I had a lot of fun this years.Mar 19, 2008
by James P
Jan 06, 2008
small convertible, rims are tight, big ass bumpers, two tone leather interior, stick shiftJan 06, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 11, 2007
A car with 125000 miles needs some work but the driving of it makes it worth it.
I am glad I bought it, just wish I had bought it yeas agoSep 11, 2007
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1985 Volkswagen cabriolet misfire
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet?Compare this car
1985 Volkswagen Cabriolet Pricing
Original MSRP
$11,915 to $11,915Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent