I can't remember if it was a vw or not , but , I one time fixed either a broken
contact or switch inside the wiper motor asm.gearbox  itself  for the problem
of not shutting off. IIRC it was looking to turn off but couldn't find the down/off
position.

Sorry, I should have given better info. I am in Indiana, center of the
state on the western border. This guy has settled on an asking price of
$1,000.00.  The windows are manual crank style, a quick look appears that
the cables on the cranks are broken. From looking at some parts places
online the window regulators appear to be an inexpensive fix.
 The radiator fan works fine, it's the heater/defroster fan that doesn't
work, switch feels like it may be bad on the dash. I have to admit the
wipers running constanly have me puzzeled.
 If we buy this car it'll get about 12,000 miles a year put on it between
the wife, myself, and my son. Thanks everyone for all of your advice thus
far. I'm learning a lot about these VW's and so far they sound like a fun
project car. I may try this weekend to see how low I can get him down on the
price and maybe buy it.

    Thanks!
    Tim

A gas VW engine will run fine at 300,000 if it was raised in Georgia
or other similar not harsh climate. Diesels are supposed to last even
longer. I have not lived up north in years so I do not know how long
VW engines last in harsh cold winters. It seems that in Ohio the cars
rust out before people get that many miles. At least the people I grew
up with that do not drive the crazy miles I drive down here. My 2003
Jetta diesel is running fine at 155,000 miles. My 87 Toyota pickup at
260,000 miles runs fine. Well not really as I need to do valve stem
seals and an air flow meter but what do you expect after 20 years?

AC could be just some freon or worse. If it has window cranks then it
should be easy enough to fix. Power windows can be more of a
challenge. Fan switch might be a blown fuse. Wipers always running
could be a bad switch, a stuck relay or crossed wires.

You did not state where you live but $ sign suggests US or Canada.

I am looking at a 1987 Jetta Deluxe Diesel 2 door that a guy down the
street is considering selling. Runs good, looks fair, 1.8L 5 speed, 210,000
miles. A/C does not work, windows won't roll up or down, and fan switch
isn't working. Also, for some reason the wipers run constantly??
 However, he tells me this car gets over 40mpg. That beats the heack out of
my current 12mpg truck! Could someone advse me what this Jetta may be worth?
He thinks he'd like to get around $1,000.00 for it. And anything I should be
watching for? I assume the windows cranks and fan are minor repairs, not all
that worried about the A/C if it would be a huge expense. This would be my
first diesel vehicle. Is the 210,000 miles too high to consider? Or is it OK
on a well maintained diesel engine?
 Any advice will be appreciated!

 Thanks!
 Tim