Hi! Im looking at buying a 72 beetle, nobody i have ever known has owned a bug before. What are the main things i should look out for when purchasing my new girl? Were the 72's the better models? Thanks so much!

Maybe try to get a copy of a few books that will explain what to look for when buying a Beetle. There is a lot to check out when looking over a potential VW purchase. Two great books I would recommend that have buyer guides are "How to Keep Your VW Alive. A manual for the complete idiot." by John Muir. This is also a great book for after you buy a beetle and in no time it will be covered in grease, especially if you buy a VW that needs a lot of attention. Its written in simple terms that are easy to follow.

The second book is called "VW Beetle and Transporter Restoration Manual" By Lindsey Porter. Its a Haynes manual. This has a very complete buyers guide, highly recommended! It has heaps of other info not found in regular manuals that i find very useful. Between those two books and a regular workshop manual you will have enough information to find a sound Beetle and keep it alive. Good luck!

In terms of the model you're looking at, you'll get a thousand different answers here depending on everyones personal preference. In the end it all depends on what you want to use it for. A seventies beetle doesn't yet have a particularly 'historic car' cache to it like the oval windows etc. However if it is stock, then the later probably the better, especially if it is a 'super' beetle.

There is a description of what defines (and how to tell) a super beetle here: http://www.superbeetlesonly.com/forum/index.php?autocom=custom&page=wmis 

Once you know what you want it for then deciding what sort (and age) of beetle you want becomes easier.

Yeah, was going to mention the different models. There's the standard 1300 bug (I had one of these from '72) which has a smaller motor, drum brakes all round and torsion bar suspension. The superbug (1302 model) has 1600 motor, front disc brakes and strut front suspension. They have a slightly more bulbous nose than the standard bug and look a little less 'classis' in my eyes. Supers tend to be more popular and make better daily drivers.

Rust is a big issue. A few key places to look are: behind the front wheels on the inner guard; the floor pan (esp under the battery which is under the back seat); and around the rear window.

'70s era beetles are less desirable, less classic and less sought after but more readily available. They also make good daily drivers and fewer people get upset when they are heavily modified.

Good luck

Very sage advise guys. This is why I joined your forum You guys & girls rock

I ended up buying a pink 71 super and couldnt be happier! She is so much fun to drive. She has a 4 vent lid but im still gonna end up putting the hood jax on it to keep her cool just in case. Im a worry wart! Even though people may laugh at her colour, i still get lots of "good" looks!!! She is my little iced vovo!!!