Mk1 Diesel Rabbit question

[NC-e90]

I don't know if this is the right place to ask this question, so I apologize if it's not.

I have been looking a while to find the perfect summer project, mostly looking at Miata's and the like, but stumbled upon an ad for a '79 Diesel Rabbit 4 speed, non-A/C car in (supposedly) good running and driving shape. Needs new front floor pans, but generally looks rust free other than that, at least from what I can see in the few pictures. It's also bone stock and has new tires, battery, and fuel distributor.

My question is, what would a car like that be valued at? My experience has been as cars get older, you can't really rely on a book value quite like you can for a car that's only a few years old.

they're asking $1200, and it's only a little under an hour away from me. I really want to know if any of y'all know a few things about these. Apart from the price question, are they really reliable like the newer VW diesels? Just in general, is it a car that's something to stay away from?

Thanks for any advice on pricing or answers to the other questions!

[oncle]

very nice.....

[NTUNED]

The vw diesels will run forever, specially the old ones, if properly taken care of ( like any car)

Running and driving is a big plus, the only thing that is costly if it does goes bad, is the diesel injection pump.

I don't know where you are but here in texas people want crazy prices for the diesels so I would say is not a bad starting price.

The floor pans is a point to lower that price tho and also depending upon close inspection and any other things you might notice. Pay particular attention to the strut towers. They are prone to rust and if rusted, a major project/project killer.

Go to the vwvortex mk1 forum for more info and also check out this page http://mk1vw.info/