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Buying a Bug
SA Fastback - April 22nd, 2011 at 10:48 PM

What's the best bug to buy if your on a budget. I have been looking at some 70's Bugs around 3 to 4k

Is it better to go for a standard bug without the add ons or to go for something like a super.

Also is there a difference in cabin size of the standard versus the super.

Appreciate any advise.


waveman1500 - April 22nd, 2011 at 11:32 PM

If you're on a budget, then buy only on price and condition, don't look for any particular model. When I bought my Superbug I was looking for a '68-'70 1500 but the Super was in excellent condition for the right price so I bought it. If you look hard and don't expect everything to be perfect then you should be able to get a decent bug in running condition for well under $2000. My first bug only cost me $300 and by the time I had paid for tyres and rego I had it on the road for less than $700.

The interior cabin size of all the bugs is exactly the same.


SA Fastback - April 23rd, 2011 at 07:41 PM

Looked at a couple today. Think i'll have to keep looking :fakesniff:


Camo - April 23rd, 2011 at 07:43 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by waveman1500
The interior cabin size of all the bugs is exactly the same.


Is it ????? I honestly don't know but I thought the later 60's cars that changed to the bigger side windows etc meant the roof was higher.

Kev


Paulc1964au - April 23rd, 2011 at 07:46 PM

From my experience the more you are prepared to pay the cheaper in the long run. I am seeing good cars going for $6K that have had a lot of mods already done. For every $ someone spends on a car they only get around half when they sell it.


bajachris88 - April 23rd, 2011 at 07:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Camo
Quote:
Originally posted by waveman1500
The interior cabin size of all the bugs is exactly the same.


Is it ????? I honestly don't know but I thought the later 60's cars that changed to the bigger side windows etc meant the roof was higher.

Kev


The windows are definitely far bigger in the later 60's as opposed to early. my 67 baja looked like a chop top compared to the 69' model now in my garage :tu:


Paulc1964au - April 23rd, 2011 at 08:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Camo
Quote:
Originally posted by waveman1500
The interior cabin size of all the bugs is exactly the same.


Is it ????? I honestly don't know but I thought the later 60's cars that changed to the bigger side windows etc meant the roof was higher.

Kev


If i make it over Monday afternoon or tuesday we can compare


waveman1500 - April 23rd, 2011 at 09:50 PM

As far as I know the windows are bigger but the actual roof height is always the same. The only real difference is that the front firewall area in the footwells is slightly different on Superbugs because of their different front-end architecture.


Sunset Garage - May 6th, 2011 at 03:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by waveman1500
As far as I know the windows are bigger but the actual roof height is always the same. The only real difference is that the front firewall area in the footwells is slightly different on Superbugs because of their different front-end architecture.


1303 is bigger on the inside. Or L Bug as most Australians know them as.

The curved windscreen & different dash and firewalll for the Lbug only front sheetmetal increases the length of the overall interior dimensions. Earlier Beetles look smaller because the windows are smaller, it's an optical illusion, simple as that.


Aussie Dubbin - May 6th, 2011 at 03:57 PM

It depends what you arer wanting the bug for. The early bugs have lots going for them cosmetically Night Headlights, Small windscreen side and rear windows, Simple dash, Longer Bonnet Smother Tail, better bumpers. But realistically the effort involved in those cars can be much more than a post 68 bug. Including discs and 12v.
Its a constant trade


annosL - May 6th, 2011 at 06:41 PM

Yep it becomes a bit of a "gut feeling" scenario but for me I reckon good body condition is by far the most important, rust repairs can be tedious and expensive whereas mechanical repairs are more straight forward and nearly all parts can be accessed new as repro's and parts prices compare favourably with modern car part prices, sometimes can be cheaper! I have an older bug,'60 and a L bug,73, both licensed and used as bi-dailies, so I appreciate both equally. Apart from condition go for the shape you like most


SA Fastback - May 6th, 2011 at 10:04 PM

I'm still looking. Seen a couple of 68/69 and early 70's. Must be something in the water in South Australia as they all say "oh, they are collectors items thats why we're asking so much money".


AyeBee - May 7th, 2011 at 11:28 PM

Good luck mate, took me nearly a year to find something decent in Adelaide. Looked at my fair share of (what I believe) were over priced cars.


waveman1500 - May 8th, 2011 at 01:05 AM

If you're not already a member then join either the VW Club or the Volks Enthusiasts and ask around in the club. Also, it's worth asking at all of the VW specialist shops whether they know of anything. I found my current car that way by asking Paul at Volksfactory to keep a look out for me. Make sure that you pay back the favour by being a good customer though!

Oh, and when in doubt, make an offer! If someone is selling a car you like for double your budget, don't be afraid to make an offer. The worst they can do is refuse.


Paulc1964au - May 8th, 2011 at 07:32 AM

Have you considered looking interstate? Yes it may cost a few $$$ to bring it over but could save you in the long run


Uncle Craig - May 8th, 2011 at 06:41 PM

I ve got a 72 super bug 15 million edition I have rebuilt the engine to 1641, New Stainless steel GT exhaust system, Bottom end new bearings, rings pistons, barrels, twin carbies, I will retrim the frt and back seats, lowered frt end, new frt strut inserts, hot wire mags, sell 4k to 4.5k (not sure), will need a paint in the future. has had a few body repairs, if interested pm me. should be finished in a month. or end of May.


waveman1500 - May 8th, 2011 at 09:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulc1964au
Have you considered looking interstate? Yes it may cost a few $$$ to bring it over but could save you in the long run


Don't forget that if you bring a car in from interstate then it has to be inspected, whereas normally in SA there are no inspections of any kind. It saves a bit of money not having to pass!


SA Fastback - May 8th, 2011 at 09:51 PM

When the right bug finds me it will all be worth it....


mattie - May 9th, 2011 at 08:40 PM

gumtree.com.au lotsa cheap vws on there at the moment.