Recommend a used VW Beetle as first car?

Question

i'm a learner driver but im nearly ready for my test and currently looking for a first car. I know the Beetle is not the ideal car but it seems to be very economical. I really want something quirky and this car oozes character.

Im female, 30 and have a 6 year old child. I can't afford a new car and im looking more at good condition 70s models.

Can anyone give me any personal experiences or advice on whether this would be a good option for me?

thanks!

Answer 1

If you have a child and value their life, do NOT get a beetle. The brakes are so old they were invented for the arc. Get a modern Japanese car, they are reliable and cheap, and they STOP when you want them to.

Answer 2

It's a lovely car with heaps of character, BUT...

It has no airbags, no seatbelt pre-tensioners, no crumple zone.

I would reconsider this, if you are going to be driving your child around.

You should go for the New Beetle. 98 and 99 models can be had for $3000 these days, and they're very tough little cars underneath.

I have a '98 New Beetle, as MY first car, and I'm very pleased.

It gets 34MPG  with standard transmission, has 4 airbags, seatbelt tensioners, and a crumple zone. It's also fun to drive, and retains the peace/love spirit of the old bugger. Check out the free community site below - it's where us owners meet. I really hope that we can convince you :)

Answer 3

I don't exactly think so. The car is cute but tiny, nearly no trunk space (about only 2 cube feet), not enough power, etc. I would recommend a Cooper S JCW if you want power, and Nissan Versa, Volvo C30, VW GTi or Rabbit, Toyota Matrix or Toyota Corolla if you want more room.

Answer 4

I have a 1973 beetle, I love her to bits, they are very good cars but they cost a lot to keep going. They don't like the winter months as they are air cooled which means the cold air is going straight into the engine so it might stall a few times. When buying one check the floor as these rust really easily - I spent £2000 on getting mine repaired. And you might need seat belts fitted in the back as a lot of them don't have any. Its up to you, As you have a small child I would say its a bad idea just because they are not very safe, its you and metal, there's no air bags but don't let me stop you.  

Answer 5

If you really want one, go for it. You'll need to accept the 1960s levels of safety and handling, not to mention old car levels of maintenance (once a week, rather than once a year!), but if you can learn some basic mechanical skills a Beetle's not that hard to run. When you buy one, look for rust. Everywhere. And then look again! Any old Bug will have been repaired by now so check how well it's been done.

On the upside, you'll never go short of help or friends when you run an old VW, there are owners clubs and outings all over the place, and if you buy a decent one and keep it that way you'll never suffer the dreaded depreciation that makes running a modern car so expensive. Yes you might have to spend a few hundred quid on it every year, but if you buy a £2,000 Beetle, it'll stay a £2,000 Beetle!

Have fun!

Answer 6

I love Beetles, but they wouldn't suit you - they need more maintenance than newer cars (although they are very reliable), you'll find the steering heavy, brakes poor, gearchange difficult, a lot more noise & less comfort than whatever you're learning in, the economy's not good compared to new stuff. No central locking, poor heater, I could go on...

Think carefully & try something newer & quirky - If you only need two seats, go for a Mazda MX-5. If you need more, have a look at something like a Suzuki Vitara.

Both convertible, reliable, comfortable, and suitable for everyday use.

Have fun.

Answer 7

DO NOT GET AN OLD BEETLE

Unless you are very handy with a spanner, for a first car get somthing that will be quite reliable like a Toyota Yaris or somthing similar

Answer 8

Get the older model...the new ones are c**p when it comes to maintenance and reliability......My friend has a 72 white beetle and it is beautiful.

Answer 9

It's not actually that economical and while ideal for those of us who like getting our hands dirty it may not be the best in your circumstances,  Quite heavy to drive and not exactly safe. I'd agree, look for something small and Japanese to start with.

Answer 10

yes I do. Beetles are brilliant, reliable cars. And I'm not just talking about Herbie either. They are practical for a first car. Because they are small they are easy to park and get round tight corners. My advice is get the beetle OR something equally as small.