zzdcar
Home
/
Reviews
/
Buying
/
At $13,200, Is This 1988 VW Cabriolet Ready For Summer Fun?
At $13,200, Is This 1988 VW Cabriolet Ready For Summer Fun?-November 2024
2024-02-19 EST 22:09:15

Nice Price or No Dice 1988 Volkswagen Cabriolet

The red and white color scheme on today’s VW Cabriolet is tweely referenced in the Coca-Cola license plate on the front bumper. Let’s see if this smile-inducing little convertible’s price is equally as refreshing.

I think we all can agree that cars are meant to be enjoyed by getting behind the wheel, cranking that starter, and vrooming-off in them to someplace. Sure they can be fun to look at too, but that’s totally secondary.

With yesterday’s , someone threw a glitch into the system, taking the model’s “Collector’s Edition” designation to heart and only amassing a mere 898 miles on the car over the past 25 years. That lack of use couldn’t atone for the model’s only modest appeal and at a $59,900 asking, most of you found the whole idea laughable. The result was a massive 98 percent No Dice loss for the low-mileage Lincoln.

Image for article titled At $13,200, Is This 1988 VW Cabriolet Ready For Summer Fun?

So, we’re already two days into Summer and just what have we got to show for it? Let’s get this party started with a classic presented in a cheerful red and white combo.

This clean title basket-hoop droptop is claimed to be all original and to have been in the possession of its present owner since 1996. That owner has seemingly pampered the car over the years, saying that she has always garaged and covered the car when it’s not in use.

Image for article titled At $13,200, Is This 1988 VW Cabriolet Ready For Summer Fun?

Overall, that effort seems to have paid off. The paint pops almost like new, even on the bumper caps’ horizontal surfaces, which typically show sun wear after years of exposure. The top looks in decent condition as well, showing no rips or tears, and the seller claiming no major leaks. The factory 13-inch ‘Zandvoort’ alloys are spotless too, showing no evidence of curb rash or flaking paint.

Image for article titled At $13,200, Is This 1988 VW Cabriolet Ready For Summer Fun?

Under the hood, the 1.8-liter SOHC four presents as clean and without any obvious malarkey. Everything seems intact, right down to the weird pool ball case-appearing vacuum canister strapped to the hood. In the Cabriolet, this mill produced 90 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque so don’t plan on using this to win any races. The five-speed stick should at least make it engaging and frugal with the fuel.

According to the seller, the car has recently been given a tune-up and now runs “pretty good.” The A/C works, but, per the seller, could likely stand a recharge. That’s R12 so good luck with that. The only other notable issue is a broken odometer. That stopped working at what appears to be a little over 103,000 miles, and the seller doesn’t say how long ago it gave up the ghost, nor how many miles they estimate the car has done since.

Image for article titled At $13,200, Is This 1988 VW Cabriolet Ready For Summer Fun?

Besides those issues, it all seems to be in working order and in very nice shape. The interior is clean and gives off a very ’80s vibe in both the color choice and pattern. The seats will be familiar to any Volkswagen fan regardless of their upholstering, as will the dash and random-appearing but factory ancillary gauges above the shifter. Just below those are four cassette drawers, another bit of ’80s kitsch, although the car now has an aftermarket CD stereo. We don’t get to see the car with its top down, but the seller makes no mention of any issue in it doing so.

Image for article titled At $13,200, Is This 1988 VW Cabriolet Ready For Summer Fun?

With Summer slipping past us seemingly before our eyes, what might this cute Cabriolet bring to capture some warm-weather driving fun while it’s here? The seller asks $13,200, and we now need to weigh in on how spot-on they may be in setting that price.

What do you say, is this VW worth that much? Or, does that price rain on our summer parade?

You decide!

Phoenix, Arizona, , or go if the ad disappears.

H/T to Don R. for the hookup!

Help me out with NPOND. Hit me up at and send me a fixed-price tip. Remember to include your Kinja handle.

Comments
Welcome to zzdcar comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Buying
Jalopnik Editors Review The New Polestar 1 And Polestar 2
Jalopnik Editors Review The New Polestar 1 And Polestar 2
Polestar has worked very hard to make the new EV available to reviewers in different cities across the country (despite the ). The result is that a few of our editors were able to test drive it. Rory, Norman and Justin have all driven the hybrid as well, and here’s...
Nov 2, 2025
At $6,900, Is This 2005 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro S-Line Worth A Look?
At $6,900, Is This 2005 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro S-Line Worth A Look?
Today’s Audi TT looks good. And, with its VR6 engine and DSG gearbox, it should have the goods to back up those looks. Let’s find out if its price tag is in full support as well. Quite a few of you discounted any consideration of yesterday’s simply because of...
Nov 2, 2025
Do Those Paint Upcharges Really Cost The Automaker That Much More?
Do Those Paint Upcharges Really Cost The Automaker That Much More?
As Jalopnik’s resident car-buying expert and a professional car shopper, I get emails. Lots of emails. I’ve picked a few of your questions and will try to help out. This week we are discussing paint upcharges from the factory and whether it’s more eco-friendly to keep your current car...
Nov 2, 2025
At $14,999, Is This 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am A Smokin' Good Deal?
At $14,999, Is This 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am A Smokin' Good Deal?
Today’s Trans Am may not turn you into either Burt Reynolds (R.I.P.) or Sally Field, but that doesn’t mean it won’t elicit fond memories of Smokey and the Bandit. Let’s see if this Firebird’s price is just as memorable. I’ve always had a disconnect with Audi naming its TT...
Nov 2, 2025
Oh My God Look At This Hummer
Oh My God Look At This Hummer
Look, we at Jalopnik . But has so much going on that my brain’s misfiring just trying to comprehend it. With that said, I’m going to try to get through a description of this...vehicle. What you’re experiencing here is apparently a 2003 Hummer H2 extensively modified by AIM Industries...
Nov 2, 2025
The Navy Is Sending Me To Hawaii! What Car Should I Buy?
The Navy Is Sending Me To Hawaii! What Car Should I Buy?
Alan is a Navy officer who will soon be stationed in Hawaii. His Highlander will be making the journey to the new post, but he is looking to supplement the family hauler with something a bit more fun. What car should he buy? (Welcome back to ? Where we...
Nov 2, 2025
Copyright 2023-2025 - www.zzdcar.com All Rights Reserved