I'm looking at buying a Beetle, I've wanted one for years and have just started looking for one (in Perth). I'm just wondering what I should and shouldn't look out for? Any tips on how to pick out the good from the bad, any major issues with models/years that I should avoid? Any advise would be very helpfull.

Cheers...

welcome

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http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=70728 

Thanks - some very helpful info on those previous chats..

it IS one difficult job to pick out a beetle...

I go weak at the knees just looking,... lol

I was just lucky mine had no rust in it...

Check out the window rubbers on the doors , they are expensive and difficult to replace.. make sure the windows go up and down..
then look for rust..
the models with the flow thru ventilation crescent shaped pieces behind the side rear windows are the worst models for rust.. 1971>

If You can find one thats been garaged all its life.. Great
If the engine has been replaced or overhauled..

Remember that there aren't any other cars from that era still on the streets.. 1956>1976
they are all over 30 years old..
and even Volkswagen parts don't last that long..
especially since there are no correct VW Beetle servicing
these days.. like the hinges,pedals,carburetor etc being oiled every 3000 miles and the front end greased etc..

If a lot of parts have been replaced then You are lucky- otherwise you will have to replace parts as they wear out..

VW beetle parts are Much cheaper than parts for a NEW car are these days...

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug 

I managed to find myself a very nice bug, I paid a bit more than I was looking to spend, but I've wanted one for so long I decided to spend a bit more. My new bug "kermit" has been restored, the bodywork has been fixed up and resprayed, the interior has been redone as has the engine and the electics, he has no rust and runs really well, he also has a very nice CD player which is great.

hi bmybug!

Congrats on the new beetle! What year is it? Looks very nice and clean. Looks like the kind of thing i'm after.

If you don't mind me asking, around how much did you end up paying for one in that condition?
Have you got any pics of the interior?

Thanks.. Kermit is in fantastic condition, he's previous owner had spent quite a lot of time and money on him, which of course meant he was a few thousand dollars more than most the other beetles I looked at. I paid $9,000 for him. I few years ago I saw another fully reconditioned one for $12,000, so I guess $9,000 isn't so bad. I looked at 6 other beetles before I found this one, they ranged in price from about $3,400 to $7,500 all of those had some rust and some didn't drive so great. Kermit doesn't have any rust (which you'd expect from one that's had work done).

I looked at a really nice 1963 beetle that had also been restored about 5 years ago, this one drove really well and was nice inside but it was did have abit of rust, it was advertised at $3,400.

I don't have any pics of the inside of my bug, but I don't have another of the outside.

Oh and he's a 1971 bug

Good luck finding one for yourself..

Excellent Beetle....

any pics of the engine & interior etc....

We love to look....

it looks like its been looked after as it looks like the original wheels are in good condition...

best of Luck

LEE

Bmybug - I spotted that green beetle for sale on the interweb but looks like you got there first!

I hope you enjoy it.

I'm probably going for something a little more downmarket now myself...but maybe in a few years I can get it looking immaculate like your one. I love the chrome pipes!