Hi,
I live in WA and after my last car was written off in the hailstorn we had I have been wondering what to replace it with.
I have always wanted a classic and a bug is right at the top of that wish list. Husband has always wanted a convertable....
Have spotted a low km 1969 convertable beetle 1500 that might make us both happy. Needs a bit of modifying (silly body kit removal) Haven't had much to do with mechanics since I was little and helped my dad but i'm willing to buy some manuals, get stuck in and learn on the job as is the husband. I hear the engines are simple enough for beginners?
The only thing really holding me back is reliability. I have my soccer mom machine for doing the majority of the family work but it's a hectic life. The bug's going to need to be reasonably reliable at getting either the husband or me 20mins to and from work weekdays.
Do they spend alot of time being repaired or will they stand up to a regular communute? Is there an easy way to tell?
Hopefully it will be the car for me and I can come and show you photos of me tearing off the giant plastic spoiler!
The first thing you should check when buying a convertible Beetle is how much body strengthening has been applied when they cut the roof off. Actual factory convertible Beetles are extremely rare and valuable, but there are hundreds of Beetles getting around which had their roofs cut off, mostly 20+ years ago. Some were converted very nicely by professionals, and some were hacked up by backyarders. Check how well the conversion has been done. Look for strengthening beams underneath the floor, a nicely fitting top, which preferably doesn't leak, and a good overall finish. I personally wouldn't buy a convertible unless the top was in good condition, as a new convertible top would have to be custom-made by a motor trimmer, costing big dollars. Also check everywhere for rust, especially the heater channels (sills below the doors), the battery area underneath the rear seat (lift it out and check) and the A-pillars.
If all of this checks out and you've found a good one then you should be laughing. Provided that the mechanicals are in good condition, Beetles can be far more reliable than modern cars. They are simple enough for beginners to work on, but be sure to get some advice from people who know what they're doing, and buy a decent workshop manual. Beetles need an oil change at least every 3000 miles or 5000km, and if you make sure to give everything a quick check-up at every oil change then it should be faultlessly reliable. Good luck!
