yet another 'whats it worth?' question

a big hello to anyone that may or may not remember me, a new job got in the way of things, as new jobs are want to do. Herbert my 72 super is doing fine, well engine wise anyway.

on to the question, i have been offered a bug for sale from a bloke i work with. and whilst i know some things about VW's i don't know everything so i seek your expert opinions, here is what i have been told.

64 beetle with 78,000 odd genuine miles on the clock, full service history (Right back to the first one). original cream paint with a red interior in immaculate condition. apparently it's a real head turner with no rust. (hah, i never believe that, but since i drive a rustbucket i at least know where to look)

it's been under a carport and covered for the past year, hasn't gone anywhere. the original engine went south and was replaced by one that was on a buggy which died very soon after putting it in, apparently it can start but blows a hell of alot of smoke.

so i'd be in for a new engine if i bought it.

the asking price is $4,500

is it worth what i think it is? 6 to 8 thousand with a reco engine in it?

i'm going to check it out tomorrow arvo. The place where he got it serviced was the same as the woman who owned the car before him - she put him on to them. (and is conviniently just up the road from me) so i plan on heading down there tomorrow morning to see if the bloke that runs the place remembers the car and what he thought of it.

i know that when you are talking cars like this there is no defined value, i just want to make sure i'm getting the awesome deal i think i might be in for.

i'll take a digital camera with me so i can preserve the (hopefully) happy memories.

cheers

Yeah pics will be Kool but sounds ok... *just remember* "it what You want to pay for it,not what we think you should pay for it"

I agree with Rob, its what you think it you want to pay. And that Pics would let you see if what you are getting matchs what is in your mind from teh descriptions.
But for me, I think thats a good deal, would have been better if they still had the old engine somewhere, but I doubt that. Check with the mechanic, they are usually very good at remembering specific cars if they have been there a lot.