Less Rabbit, More Turtle: 1985 Volkswagen Golf Diesel

A few years ago, I owned a diesel non-turbo Golf from this era (although that car had one less digit in its asking price), and to say it was slow is such an understatement. Glaciers are slow. Elephant seals out of the water are slow. The Golf diesel takes slow driving to an art form that requires total concentration in everyday situations. Parking lot maneuvers require full throttle. Plus, with non-power assisted steering attached to pizza cutter tires, every freeway cloverleaf loop feels like a lap around the California Speedway. Find this 1985 Volkswagen Golf Diesel offered for $4200 in Chicago, IL via ebay motors.

From the seller:

Clean Title.
For sale is a 1985 5 speed 1.6L NA diesel VW Golf. Runs with no problems

-New timing belt with correct timing.
-Fully functional AC.
-2023 brake/coolant lines were flushed.
-2025 new battery
-Headliner has been redone.
-Regular oil changes.
-Shifter bushings and linkages were replaced.
-All rear brake and bearing components have been replaced
-Tires have approx 20k
-Water pump pulley has been replaced
-Old fuel hoses were replaced with braided fuel hoses

I have a variety of parts that will be included in the sale:
-LED headlights (currently have halogen installed)
-Rear brake drums, no shoes
-Variety of misc. parts. I will provide pics as fb marketplace only allows 20 photos at a time.
-Bluetooth cassette to play music through your phone
-an original Bentley repair book is included in the sale

What Needs work:
Drivers seat mount is wobbly. Not enough to impact driving

Hydraulic lift on the left side of the hatch is functional but needs attention.

Passenger side bumper turn signal socket needs to be replaced.

Photos are from 1 year ago. Has not been garage kept.

I drive it to work daily. It’s a fun little car, but it’s getting harder to fit in my budget with my growing family.

See a better way to drive slow? tips@dailyturismo.com