Updated: 13-Mar-2024
Buying a Cabriolet
Buyer's Guide: 
Where to find and/or buy:
- TheSamba.com Classifieds
- VWvortex.com Classifieds
- Facebook Marketplace
- Autotempest.com
- eBay
- Bring A Trailer
- Craigslist
- Kijiji (Canada)
- Auto Trader
- Copart
- 2040-cars
- Insurance Auto Auctions
Selling a Cabriolet
Seller's Guide:
Where to sell:
- TheSamba.com Classifieds
- VWvortex.com Classifieds
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay
- Bring A Trailer*
- Craigslist
- Kijiji (Canada)
- Auto Trader
* 
Hagerty's advice for selling on Bring-A-Trailer and selling in general.
Cabriolet Market Values
To owners this is great news, but not so much for buyers: The market value of Cabriolets has gone up significantly over the last several years. What used to be a $500 steal is no more.
How does market value differ from book value? Book value is what most insurance companies go by when determining a payout for your damaged vehicle. In a Cabriolet's case, you will need to either purchase classic car insurance (Hagerty, for example), get an Agreed Value policy, or fight your insurance company with lots of vigor. Insurance will want to use book value after an accident/theft, but your argument will be, "But to replace my still like-new Cabriolet with another will cost more than that! Look at all of these examples!" Currently, market value for these cars is higher than book value, in some cases, lots higher. Ergo, after you buy your dream car, or if you currently have it, take lots of photos and try to keep "comps" (comparison ads) filed away as well, just in case.
With that, here are the current (2023) market values for Volkswagen Cabriolets/Rabbit Convertibles in the USA (mostly stock; modified cars are not included):
Level One: $9,000 and up
- Pristine, all-original car (aside from normal wear items like battery, tires, etc.) and looks like it just left the factory
- Ultra low-mileage (0-25,000 or so) and no visible wear inside or out
- Nothing is missing, all accoutrements (badges, cassette holder, original radio, water diverter, radiator airflow cards, etc.) are in factory-original places, and car still runs like a watch
- Comes with all documentation (owner's manuals, receipts, etc.)
- The average price for these types of Cabriolets is now around $9,000-$9,500, but a handful of pristine, ultra-low mileage cars have sold for over $10,000 (well over, if looking at auction prices; the example below, when photographed at a museum in Las Vegas, had just 24 miles on it and subsequently sold at auction for an eye-popping $70,000 in circa 2020).
Level Two: $4,500 to $8,500
- In excellent condition, but may show some minor normal wear (a few little rock chips, etc.), or has perhaps has been repainted and/or the top replaced
- Upholstery is still original with only very minor wear, or has been professionally reupholstered
- Rubber components are still in tip-top shape
- Should be presented in immaculate condition (without bumper-type stickers) and not missing any components
- Should not require mechanical work or any cleaning
- Relatively low miles (30,000 to 90,000 or so)
- Average selling price for these Cabriolets is around $5,000-$7,500
Level Three: $2,000 to $4,000
- In otherwise good or average condition for its age, but has some age-related issues
- Paint: rock chips, may be a bit oxidized
- Wheels: may be coated with brake dust
- Upholstery is a bit worn, faded, or dirty, or has been re-covered; leather seats may be dried out
- Engine bay: may be missing radiator airflow card(s), is dirty along with underside of hood; engine and/or transmission may have been rebuilt or swapped
- Rubber seals may have minor cracks
- Could use some restoration and/or mechanical work and/or detailing
- Minor components may be missing (radio, shift boot, floor mats, badge, etc.)
- Mileage is normal for the car's age (10,000-12,000 miles per year is the average)
- Average selling price for these Cabriolets is around $2,500-$3,500
Level Four: $0 to $1,500
- In poor condition: paint is shot, top is shot, interior is shot, has some rust spots, needs mechanical work (or doesn't run), components missing, body damage, etc.
- Basically, a rescue job: a car destined for the junkyard, but could very well be saved with the right buyer
- Will require major restoration work by a caring owner with deep pockets and a lot of time and energy
