Hi there,
The last beetle I had was a 1200 back in 1974.

Actually all three beetles I've ever owned were 1964 1200's. Two in Australia, and one I bought in Germany in 1972.
That car went round Europe and Morocco for many thousands of miles and what a friend it was.

I'm older but not more mature, and would like to get another beetle, just for old time sake. I'd be pleased to join the club and be part of the scene.
Which model do I buy?
From limited conversation I've been told to - stick with a 1500, stay away from the 1500's, be wary of Mcpherson strut cars, only buy a Superbug, buy a 1300 Superbug, twin port engine is best....
HELP!

hehe - location? budget? any preferences ie: colour etc? willing to look outside state? what sort of condition? standard, customed?

contact details?

nick

it depends on where you are and how much your willing to spend. btw there is nothing wrong with the mcpherson struts as they are now used in most new cars. the 1600tp is a good engine as well as the 1300tp, personally i prefer the kombi t4 2L in a bug it really gives it a power boast. ive got a 72 super that will be for sale very soon in sydney

stick with the classis pre '67's and you can't go wrong. when cars were made to style and not to please the bean counters and nader's mob had not moved in and made cars safe and practical and boring and soulless and etc etc

I'm in Sydney. Budget? Well, that's relative. I'd spend what's necessary for a pristine car, as I've restored cars in the past and never got my money back.
On the other hand a good honest car at the 'right' price is attractive too.
I want a car that has a good body with paint to match.
Colour not an issue.
I look on the next beetle as a toe in the water. Don't really want a crocodile to jump out of the billabong and spoil the experience.

The later the car the cheaper.

Supers are not as sought after but do come standard with
* seat belts
* disc brakes
* dual brake circuits
* collabsable steering
* doors that stay closed going round corners
* 12 volts
* alternators

yep - the list goes on

Yes - oval beetles look really cool. But my VW is a 1975 L bug that is my daily driver. I prefer the rounder looks of the 1303's and the "safety" of them. Yes the later oners have less steel and rust more, but adding the abouve list to a pre 67 will add $$$$. Front disc kit is a $1k add on alone.

To be honest - going to a show like the Nationals at Easter would give you a REALLY good idea on prices.

Troll through carpoint and carsales.com and pick a few out.
Post the link and watch us tear into it with opinions.

By the way.....

Welcome :beer

Thanks everyone. To Bizarre, like I said I've only ever had '64 1200's, so safety was never an issue. My other drives are early Triumph TR's, like 4 wheel motor bikes really.

Kim at Indian Automotive is selling a lovely ratty 58 beetle on Ebay at the mo. All original, no rust... that's right I said NO RUST. Only had 2 owners. Would be just the ticket if you don't mind slighty ratty paint. Comes with a blue slip and cheap to boot.

check it out...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/1958-Volkswagen-VW-Original-Beetle-complete_W0QQitemZ4...

[ Edited on 21-6-06 by pete wood ]

Hi, we still have our '70 semi-auto for sale. with 11mths rego, can also convert to manual if prefered.

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=51552&page=1#pid482064 

Wayne.

here is one that for sale and its not mine
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=53354 

will it be a daily driver? If so, go for a post 1968 model for the safety and convenience reasons outlined above. Yes I love my Oval, but 72-75 Supers are the best daily cars; the later the better

i have a 67 1300
and a 75L
and a Golf Diesel 1978
all goers and worth the money as investments
ie straight
compl
nr rwc
for u to e-mail me if u want pics

where are you

Ive seen Kimms 58. Wont get better than that for the money. All ya gotta do is paint it maybe. Honest Ron can do that for about 3k. Too easy.

i'd love to own it myself, it a lovely little car.

hey pete where can i see this
pls
have cash

Hi Karmen,
I live in Sydney, St Ives area.
The 67 1300 might be worth a look, as would the 75 L.
email me any photos to garyj@transchem.com.au

I also saw on ebay a 1971 1600 for $2,900 and a 67 1300 at$4,500. Both auctions have ended.The latter is also advertised on another VW site -Club VeeDub

i have this one
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=46168 

If you were willing to travel, this one looks good.
http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=52599 
I am fairly sure it is a one owner, but check with Jay.

Just to add to the list of people's cars for sale, this body off resto will be for sale once finished (hopefully no longer than 2-3 months time - touch wood).

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=50364 

As for what type of car you're after - whatever it is that rocks your boat. I don't think nowadays it matters whether it's early, late, macpherson strut, TP or whatever.....so long as you're happy with it, and you keep it serviced, it will always be reliable. I reckon just get something that you've always coveted.

i like how the thread turned from advice asking and giving to straight out selling.... :thumb

nick

Yep we are like a flock of seagulls ready to pounce on a stray hot chip!

Best of luck beelzebug - hope you find something that makes you happy!

how bout vultures over a dead carcass....

nick

bad idea to ask a bunch of vdub owners what to buy as you will just get a heap of information about so many models and years etc.... in the end it will probably just be too confusing and some information may actually contradict other information depending upon people's personal experiences or stories they've heard etc etc etc...

in the end you have to be happy with what you want to drive and its your decision.
good luck and happy dubbing.

Yep, thanks to all you guys that responded. Now I'm completely dazed!
Will test drive a few in the near future and make up my mind then. Reckon the first decent driver will get bought.
Will keep you posted.

vultures....

bond if you dont have anything creative to add how about you butt out