When Volkswagen set out to create a four-wheel drive version of its popular Golf sedan, I doubt it intended to build a collectible modern classic in the process. This 1991 VW Golf Country is made rarer still by its classification as a “Chrome” edition, which had some cosmetic add-ons that set it apart from its less-blingy siblings. This particular car has a somewhat spotty history in terms of being listed here on eBay at no reserve and seemingly turning up as a constant no-sale. Still, it’s a well-preserved specimen that may have a seller who should just set a price using the “Buy-It-Now” option.
To own one of these in such pristine condition really does pose a quandary: how are you supposed to use it in the environment and manner it was intended for without destroying its value? A friend of mine just acquired a survivor-grade 1988 BMW 325ix, the 4WD variant of the popular E30 platform. He’s facing the same dilemma: its inherent value lies in conditions he will never use it, out of fear of inviting rust into a rust-free chassis.
This Golf Country remains in spectacular condition with no discernible blemishes in the cabin. The sport leather bucket seats look like God’s own Recaro, and the simple three-spoke steering wheel is a throwback to when steering wheels were things of beauty. The matching door panels are unexpected, and while the limited information available indicates the “Chrome” package focused mostly on external add-ons of the cosmetic type, the original owner still chose almost every major option, according to the seller – including a Webasto-style sunroof.
Apparently, features like power windows and locks put this Country in the one-of-two category, if we’re splitting hairs about what makes a rare vehicle even rarer. The seller touts an extensive maintenance history as another bonus of ownership, and it’s apparent based on the low mileage and this photo that the Golf doesn’t see much action on the road. In an era of gray-market vehicles that are now legally importable, it’s not a surprise to see this car on eBay – but I am curious just how the seller has listed it multiple times at no reserve. Will it find a home this go-round?
“but I am curious just how the seller has listed it multiple times at no reserve.”
Because at times sellers and eBay itself are shady. Selling cars on eBay are non-binding sales and bids. A seller can back out of an auto listing at anytime without any recourse, including after the auction is complete or a buy it now is complete. A buyer can back out of an auto listing at anytime without recourse. including after the auction is complete.
It’s a disgrace. Those who are honest don’t manipulate those rules. Those are dishonest, make and retract bids, sell but don’t sell cars (what’s the point in a reserve if you don’t actually have to sell with or without a reserve?)… other buy but don’t buy cars. I see threats in auto listings all the time but eBay does nothing. It’s in their rules for non-binding sales on autos. Same applies for real estate on eBay. This seller is just another jack off, ripping people off on eBay.
This seller uses private, so you can’t see how many people are bidding, how many times they have bid, who is retracting bids, or if they are sticking to that “NO ZERO FEEDBACK BIDDER” thing they threw in the listing. Easiest way for a seller to bid on his own cars using a different account. I made formal complaints about auto bidders cheating before. But eBay does little to nothing.
IMO this seller and this auction is a sham…and his/her previous auctions are/were shams. All listings are private. Should be banned.
Check out his past auctions. Same cars over and over even when they are “sold”. I think this seller even posted a no reserve auction on Bring a Trailer and backed out of it when he didn’t get what he was looking for. He likes to sell “restored” VW Vanagon Syncros.
He’ll use different e-bay names and different NJ locations. Time to do a little internet investigation.
Mike, how do you see his previous sales? I did see he previously had another username on this same account…. “truenfairnhonest” … well he must have started feeling guilty and changed it…. but not guilty enough to change his practices… lol.
Even GTis were quite low-spec when it came to trim. My mum bought one* and also specified central locking and a sunroof (sure there was a third thing, too…)
*No idea why. She’s a very slow driver.
Just saw this car this weekend at the Air Cooled Gathering in Flanders, N.J. Although it shouldn’t have been there (water cooled), it is pristine.
$20K to lead the bidding with an hour and a half left….
58 bids? I’m thinking that bdub has pointed the finger in the right direction here….
Looky here –
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2017/01/24/hemmings-find-of-the-day-1991-volkswagen-golf-country-chrome-synchro-4wd/
Same car from last year. He’s looking to get $49k for it. Quite a risk putting it up at no reserve on this auction. *eyeroll*
Oh look, BaT metioned his auction for it in Dec ’16:
https://bringatrailer.com/2016/12/27/chrome-country-1991-volkswagen-golf-4×4-in-new-jersey/
I wouldn’t buy anything VW for 49k
Call it what they want.
At end of the day it’s just a rabbit
With add ons bolted on!
Looks like the seller is stuck with this car!
SOLD! $19,900. The buyer got a super kick-ass deal and the seller took a bath. I wonder who the lucky “bidder” was?
That lucky bidder will never get that car. lol.
As I recall he was banned from BAT because of offering no reserve options and then not following through with the sale.
a rabbit on a frame w/an AWD system? Sounds OK (what kinda articulation?) but for a narrow application. My sis’s ’74 rabbit (1st gen) lasted a decade.
Most ‘multi-purpose’ R not good at anything, OK @ several (I know as a 30 yr ’66 bronco owner).
Improvements by removing all the extras & havin a frnt/rear skid plate. On top of it all – a questionable S. Jersey used car sales man…
Oh, good a sale…1/2 price. May B we got 2 happy ppl now?