How many miles is too many miles when looking to purchase a used Volkswagen Beetle?

Question

If i wanna buy a used beetle, at what milage is too many miles on a beetle? trying to avoid buying one only to have a quick breakdown of a part if that makes sense.

Answer 1

Depends on the age of the car and HOW MUCH IT WAS MAINTAINED. My car has almost every nut and bolt and part rebuilt or replaced - so it is as good as new. If it is just driven and gas is the only thing put in, a 2 year old car can be junk.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

It depends on the age of the car, of course! Ideally, you'd want it to be 12,000 miles per year of age or less. Also consider how much driving you will be doing in the vehicle. If you drive 20,000 miles a year and want the car to last for 3 years, then you want it to have lower mileage than if you usually put only 10-12,000 miles per year on a vehicle.

I had 3 VW Golfs (essentially the same as the Beetle) and all went for 175,000+ miles. However - ALL were STANDARD transmissions. So if you are looking at an automatic, stay under 70,000 miles if possible; but if it's a well-maintained 5-speed You can go with higher mileage.

Answer 4

New beetles: I will defer to others since I have no real knowlege of their survival rates... but for OLD beetles..

Just look on the street to see how many and how often you see one of the old Air cooled beetles. Then remember that these are typically 30 to 50 years old. (they stopped production in the 70's )

At about 10k miles per year that is a lot of miles on those old cars .. and they still keep running.

Bottom line.. if they were routinely maintained and serviced, those old timers will simply keep on going. (and going and going and going...)

.......

Answer 5

0 milage.
Beetles have been ranked by numerous sources (jd power, comsumer reports, consumer affairs) as the least reliable car in america for the last 7 CONSECUTIVE YEARS.... no other car has ever been on this list for more then 4 years (no suprise, vw jetta).
you could buy one with 200 miles on it, and in 800 youre going to be taking it too the shop.
2004 consumer reports
http://money.cnn.com/2004/11/08/pf/autos/cr_auto_reliability/
2003 consumer reports
http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/consumerreports.pdf
2002 consumer reports
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-25110963_ITM
2001 consumer reports
http://www.epinions.com/content_21735837316
2000 consumer reports
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ee9a9fe
(just trust me consumer reports ranks it the least realiable car through 1998)
Jd power 2005
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_05/b3918132.htm
jd power 2004
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2004/volkswagen/newbeetle/100347931/ratings_jdpower.html
jd power 2002- 2003
http://autos.yahoo.com/volkswagen_new_beetle_tdi-ratings/
jd power 2001
http://www.epinions.com/content_33106464388
(once again, just trust me, it also goes back to 1998)

There really is no milage that is the key to stay away from, they are all unreliable, and even brand new ones have EXPENSIVE problems.

**EDIT**
This is speaking about the new beetles. Air cooled vws can run forever. They are the longest manufactured car in the world, and there is a reason why.

Answer 6

When you buy a car, the mileage should be about 12500 miles per year, and always,always take it to a trusted mechanic and if he,or she give you the go ahead- go ahead.Therefore he or she will be somewhat, invested in your car! Also make sure the car sounds very good and is in good physical condition. Then all you have to do is drive and keep it running soundly IE change the oil every 3000 miles.

Answer 7

Front engine (new) Beetle - 100,000 miles
Rear engine air cooled Beetle - 200,000 miles

Answer 8

i assume u are talking about one of the newer beetles. if i were you i would check out consumers report before buying one. their repair record isnt that great and at best is average. certain things tend to wear out consistently on all cars. cv boots, alternators, mufflers, tie rods etc. there isnt much u can do about it. however if the car has good oil change and maintenance records, u reduce your chances of something breaking. before buying it, take it to a reputable mechanic and have him/her do a check. it will cost u around 75 bucks and save u worry.

Answer 9

As long as it has a full service record don't worry about the mileage.

A well serviced high mileage model will be more reliable than a newer/lower mileage one with poor maintenance

Answer 10

Unlimited, bugs can go forever. Be sure to remove rear seat and inspect battery pan and entire floor for corrosion/rusting problems!!