The 96 is fairly strong. Just remember that it's a $1000 car that will have age issues pop up from time to time.

The Rabbit, which later became the Golfs and Jettas, are pretty good little cars. Great daily driver material.

I currently have a 1984 Rabbit Convertible (last year to be German made) in Ohio that is getting a fresh interior and top for my daughter. I paid $800 for it, repaired the timing issue, replaced the clutch and added a new alternator. Being German made, the parts are not the same as the American versions, so the price was a bit high. So far, counting purchase price, parts and labor, I'm about $2800 into it. But the look on her face when I give her the keys this summer will be priceless!!

Which engine does it come with?

If properly taken car of in the past, those 100,000 miles shouldn't mean much.

My younger brother has a 1999 model Jetta and it has treated him great. He hasn't had to put out anything for it other than normal oil changes and such. He's driven it from Oregon to Ohio and back 6 times, and it has never left him stranded.

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles