Yeah, my 85 Jetta N/A 5 speed (larger body than the Rabbit) got 45ish combined mileage, and the original owner claimed it got 50mpg for her when it was newer. it's got bad axles, and several parts are worn out on the car (I'm getting everything back in shape... slowly...)

98-up Diesels get smogged up here.

Sixto
87 300D

Anyone ever heard of Yanmar engines,been around over 100yrs and have a reputation of long lived diesel engines in sailboats and watercraft.I like the 53hp model which boast a 2.2 ltr at only 443 pounds,model 4JH5E.You put a light weight miata ,a 914 or a MR2 Body around this motor and Im sure mid 50s mpg would be your earnings.YANMAR.COM

Yes, IMO Yanmar is synonymous with "Singer sewing machine" as far as reliability/robustness goes.

if its a diesel they just do the usual headlights wipers bs--and slap a sticker onere --$16:) i got a guy names ivan who- well im going to keep my big mouth shut.

yanmar parts are a good bit more expensive -- thing about the kubotas anybody can rebuild one.

aluminm head isn't it? vw diesel stuff is expensive and even more to rebuild.

thats why I drive a 85 cd, but can only squeeze out 30 on the hwy-keeping it at 60.
But this thread is more about guys that aren't crazy about the actual benz cars and are doing repower projects on other stuff, I like overdrive, and shifting sometimes ( if I was commuting into NYC from long island it would have to be an auto--so the RH is free for flipping off DB's) if i couldn't get classic auto insurance on the 85 at that ridiculous rate the car would be displaced by something else.

I don't actually know the rating for my euro 300d na but it must be a bit more than the us version. the car will run 100 mph even with the tall 307 diff and the 18% od.

Maybe 100 hp?

the 616 is really a better chioce for the small pickups, right size, can be had with a manual trans, add a turbo and get really nice power. the 617 is a real shoe horn fit, and a bit heavy for the little trucks. My toyota was just to far gone to be worth doing it, rotten frame.

Kabotas, and other non automotive diesels are rpm limited to around 3200, and tend to have a lot of vibration, compared to the 616 or 617.

Not the old stuff, pre-TDi, as far as I have heard.