Does anyone own a used Volkswagen Beetle?

Question

I'm thinking about purchasing a used Volkswagen Beetle in the near future. I just want to know if anyone owns this type of vehicle and what is your overall opinion about this type of car (e.g. maintenance issues, engine, etc). This is my first time buying a car, and I would really appreciate some helpful feedback. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi there, just about to buy one of these myself as I have a few friends that own them and love them. Probably not the most 'sensible' car you could ever own as you might have to put some money into it to keep it alive, but they say once you have the 'bug' its hard to get it out of your system. Plus its the oppertunity to own a car thats 40 years old and still an icon - you won't get that in a Ford Fiesta!!

Answer 2

I'm going to let you in on a little advise that my son did NOT listen too.

The fuel line running from the fuel pump to the carb is made of rubber (on most, if not all the older models - mine was a 1969 VW ). Well that hose gets hard because of the heat in the engine compartment. Once it gets hard it starts to crack...once it cracks it starts to leak fuel. That fuel ends up getting onto the hot engine parts and before long you have a fire. Those fuel lines are cheap. I suggest you buy 3 foot of it and keep in the trunk....that way you can change it out every 6 months as I did to be on the safe side. My son didn't...so within the first year I gave it to him...he caught it on fire and blew it up.

The cars are easy to work on and are loads of fun to drive...and very cheap on gas.There are hundreds of ways to modify them with all kinds of cool stuff. So have fun and be safe.

Answer 3

Hi from Australia,

I have owned a 2000 model manual/gasoline Beetle for a couple of years now and have mixed feelings about them. I bought mine with about 34000 miles on it for a bit below the market price at the time. It was in great condition, probably due to the fact that it hadn't been driven much however the problems started from the minute I took ownership. The check engine light and airbag light are almost permanently lit up. The VW dealer charges AUD$60 each time he puts the diagnostic console on the car and never actually needs to repair the problems, just erasing the trouble codes (DTC). These lights go out then a couple of days later, they light up again. The drivers side window regulator died which cost AUD$1200 to repair. The same thing with the fuel door solenoid, another AUD$350. There are a bunch of unidentifiable groans and creaks in the front suspension or steering on hot days. No-one can tell me what they are. Genuine VW spare parts are obscenely expensive as are franchise dealership labour charges. You can minimise these costs, of course, by getting non-dealer mechanics to do the work and buy after-market parts but sadly many parts are only available through VW. The interior fit-out quality is pretty crappy. The cloth seats fade rapidly and need a fair bit of cleaning. Lots of plastic and the fittings lose their finish with just a few bumps and scratches. Beware of the power window switches, they're flimsy and often break. The windscreen leaks on the passenger side in heavy extended rain and eventually soaks the carpets making the car smelly.

The upsides however, are many. The 2.0 litre engine is a champion. Its smooth and powerful when married to the 5 speed manual gearbox. Gas consumption is great. Handling and suspension are fine, almost sporty. All round vision is adequate. The interior space for driver and front passenger is adequate but uncomfortable for rear adult passengers.The factory CD/Radio is simple but plenty adequate in quality and sound grunt. The instruments and controls are simple and user friendly. It looks great and is unique compared most other cars in its class.

My tip ? If you absolutely gotta have a Beetle, buy the latest model you can afford with plenty of dealer warranty still attached and get it inspected throughly by an expert in new VWs BEFORE you buy it.

Other than the stuff I said at the start, its a neat,sturdy and unique little vehicle.

All the best