VW Beetle as a first car,

[Pasindu111]

Hi, a 20 year old, old car lover here, 

Planing to get a beetle around 1.5mil, I have patience with these old machines, fuel is ok, what other concerns should I have? Won't be a daily runner, but will def used in the expressway, AC will be a little concern, and how these air cooled motor will behave in city traffic? 

 

thanks in advance! 

[iRage]

Haven't used a Beetle in modern day Colombo traffic so can't comment on that.

Look out for rust.

Make sure brakes are working properly (as best as they can for the car's age). Just make sure that the pedal doesn't just go all the way down or that the car doesn't shudder when braking, etc..some have had brake upgrades and they are not in the best of shapes.

Look for oil leaks. Basic oil leaks from valve covers or sumps are easily fixable, but finding and fixing oil leaks anywhere else might require more effort.

Drive the car and make sure that the car runs properly...gears shift without fuss...

Make sure that the steering feels nice and straight and doesn't feel jiggly and wiggly.

Check the electrical system. Some people have upgraded it because of the "kerosene oil lamp" headlights. Just make sure a proper job has been done.

Also, go for the common variants. There are rather unique special variants around, but those may require some effort to keep up, especially if you need model-specific body parts, etc.

Actually, you are looking at things that you would look for when buying any old car  See if there are any enthusiast-owned vehicles coming up for sale. Those tend to be the most purest.

Enjoy !

 

[matroska]

  On 6/9/2024 at 9:10 AM, Pasindu111 said:

Hi, a 20 year old, old car lover here, 

Planing to get a beetle around 1.5mil, I have patience with these old machines, fuel is ok, what other concerns should I have? Won't be a daily runner, but will def used in the expressway, AC will be a little concern, and how these air cooled motor will behave in city traffic? 

 

thanks in advance! 

Expand  

In good nick a beetle can run in city traffic without any issues - there are many cars that run. You will of course have a slightly tedious experience if you drive in the city - specially if you're used to modern manuals.  you need to consider stuff like corrosion and overall condition of interior etc. If you value authenticity then go for one that is not overly modified (original condition vehicles have good market value as well ) pay attention to the electricals - many mechanics bypass the proper wiring. Ideally take a VW expert with you or at least get their opinion before purchase. There are a couple of big names who repair and sell these cars. They're not the most honest people around. 

Pros : Cool Cool car. If you get the hang of it it's fun. It's a whole different experience. 

Cons: Personally once the novelty wears off it get's a bit of an effort to run in cities. Not all mechs are good at fixing a VW as opposed to a simple 70's 80's Jap. Many muck it up.

My father owned one for 3 years. Had to sell once his regular mech  who was in his 80's went blind, it's now part of a large collection of an avid collector.