I've been looking at an 84 rabbit, im not exactly sure if its turbo or not, i haven't asked. but is there anything specific i should look for or problems i should know about. Anything that i could find out over the phone before i take the 6 hour drive, I'm just wondering if there are any notorious problems, for example GM's 6.2s usually have bad IP's. Thanks for anything

If it's the original engine, they were one of the best. Don't remember any Rabbits having a turbo. I think the main problem with these engines as they get older is cold starting. Make sure it's stone cold when you arrive to try it out. Check for excessive blowby when hot. The oil fill cap, loosened off, should just lift off the valve cover an 1/8" or so max, when running. Many of these engines get overheated,a maintenance issue, check for a steady stream (no bubbles) of coolant coming back into the overflow tank, when warm. Coolant tank needs to be at the correct level for this check. Post the same question on the VW diesel parts forum. Lots more things to check. The guys there know their stuff. And to answer your question, the engines had no 'notorious problems', they were well engineered. The car itself was known for several minor problems, odometers not working, strut towers and floors rusting out, windshields leaking onto the fuse panel. Mileage on these light cars can be exceptional though. A rust free Rabbit from the southern U.S. could last you a lifetime.Phil