Posting for a friend:

Hi folks,

Those of you local to 303, my girlfriend/fiancee Meredith is selling a car. I don't know much about cars so I can't tell you what work it needs but it would be cool for someone to restore or with a little TLC make a good first car or a work car (can get 40+ miles/gallon).

Here's what she says:

"1984 Volkswagen Rabbit 5-speed Convertible. Black w/white top. Rare- of the 50,000 of these that were made, most of them have long since rusted in more humid climes.

The Good: Ridiculously well-maintained for the last 5 years; brand new brake system; body in excellent condition, very recent (two months ago) work on electrical and fuel systems; recent (18 months ago) work on suspension/alignment.

The Bad: Motor needs work, badly. Like don't drive it regularly, yet. I suspect a wet engine, and I suspect it's getting in with the air. Also, the windshield needs replaced.

The Ugly: Very small amounts of rust around wheel wells; seat covers torn; peeling sealant (color is fine)"

Here's what I personally know about the car:

When it's running correctly, it runs great. Ridden in it many times before the mystery problem hit.
When it's raining, it runs oddly and sometimes doesn't start. Again, neither one of us is quite sure what the issue is but I'm willing to bet someone who knows about engines (esp. VWs) could figure it out.
Gets really good mileage! When running correctly I have seen 30+ MPG on high-grade gas.
This would be a cool car for a restore job. I guess there weren't many of these?

She's asking $700 OBO, is being sold as-is (i.e no tag-backs about "oh it runs funny" or "its raining and won't start", you were warned about the mystery engine problem) and is located on Capitol Hill. Please send any questions/appts to see it to me off-list and I'll pass them on.

Thanks